Home Inspection: the Best $200 to $300 You Could Spend When Buying a Home

Purchasing a new home can be a seemingly endless series of decisions and discoveries. Before purchasing that home that seems like such a dream, it is important to obtain the services of a home inspector to teach you about the condition of the home and discover any problems that may have been overlooked or hidden by the home builder or a previous owner. All homes should be inspected prior to purchase so the buyer does not receive any unpleasant surprises after the deal is done.

Certified Home Inspectors
There are several nationally recognized associations that provide training and certification for home inspectors. The three largest ones are The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI.org), The National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI.org), and The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI.org).  Certified home inspectors can be trusted to provide an objective and independent analysis of the condition of the home's structure, components, and major systems. Home inspectors that hold a professional certification have undergone thorough initial training and qualification, and are required to take continuing education to ensure that their training remains up to date. Their inspections are conducted with recognized Standards of Practice, which outline the specific steps of conducting a home inspection and what they should be looking for when inspecting the home. Additionally, if the inspection company is affiliated with a certifying agency you can be sure it is carrying the appropriate Errors & Omissions and General Liability insurance.

About Home Inspections
The inspection of the home will be a visual examination intended to identify any problem areas within the home. The structural soundness of the home will be reviewed, along with the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and other systems of the home that are considered essential. Any defects found in the home during the inspection process can have a serious impact on the value of the property. In most cases, the seller will have to fix these defects prior to closing or the price of the home will be reduced to reflect the lesser market value.

Although it is not as frequently done, individuals who are having new homes built may also benefit from the services of a certified home inspector. The inspectors can review the home building process at several different stages of the construction process, identifying any potential problems before the construction of the home is completed. This will reduce the risk of the homeowner discovering issues with the construction of the home further down the road. Some inspectors will also include an eleventh month inspection into their review to ensure that any problems can be identified prior to the expiration of the one year warranty.

Home Inspection Findings
The findings of the home inspection will be written up as a well detailed report and given to the buyer soon after the completion of the inspection. The buyer enjoyed added piece of mind knowing that the major structural and mechanical elements of the home have been inspected by a NASHI certified professional. Knowing the true condition of the home will assist the buyer in making an informed decision about the property they are considering.

This article was provided by Automated Homefinder in Colorado -- a Boulder real estate company.