HOME INSPECTION…FACT OR FICTION???

There are an abundance of misconceptions about Home Inspections, the process and the reports that are created from them. I’m of the opinion that no matter what the property, condo or single family home, a home inspection is always a smart thing to do.

Some people seem concerned as to whether it is worth the money and my philosophy has always been that no matter what the cost, (and it can vary somewhat) it is a nominal and worthwhile cost to bear. Consider what you could be paying if something major went wrong or if you found a structural defect that could have been caught through a qualified home inspection.

One of the misconceptions about home inspections is that if you are having a new home built or are purchasing a new home, that a home inspection is not necessary. Quite the opposite…how many times have you heard horror stories from people who have built new homes only to find defects, and some of them quite major, after moving in and living there. A very high percentage of new construction homes have both structural and frame problems, as well as mold and moisture problems.

As a matter of fact, here in Naples, Florida, there was a recent article in the Naples Daily News about an $11,000,000 home, only two years old, that was literally being gutted because of mold issues, as well as major structural problems that the owners have discovered. It has turned into litigation that involves not only the builder and his sub-contractors, but the real estate firm on the selling side and the selling agent as well. Certainly not a pretty picture!

Another misconception is that you really don’t need a termite inspection. Again for the nominal cost of the termite inspection, coupled with the fact the there are vast termite colonies all over the State of Florida, it is prudent to have one done, with the regular home inspection.

As a buyer, you or your representatives don’t have to be there for the inspection, but it is certainly advisable, since it gives one the opportunity to ask questions of the inspector. It also gives you the chance to see how all the systems operate, as well as where they are located.

With regard to the report that is created from a home inspection, the items listed for repair or replacement, or items that are found to be defective are always negotiated. There is no requirement that they must be done by the seller.

Finally, just as all realtors are not created equal, so it is with the home inspectors. Check the credentials of any home inspector that you are wanting to employ. A good place to start is ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors). On their website, you will be able to find a qualified inspector, who is a member in good standing.