Let’s do a Q & A! Here are the most common questions we get from our clients:
Q: Will the Home Inspector inspect every feature of the home? A: The Home Inspector must inspect certain features required by state law and may inspect additional components and features at his or her discretion. If they see something they think should be further evaluated by a specific licensed professional, they will include that information in the Home Inspection Report. You will then have the opportunity to contact a licensed professional who specializes in that area to further inspect the issue. *Note: This is going to be for major repairs such as foundation issues, electrical issues, etc.
Q: Can I ask the Home Inspector to look at specific components and items? A: Yes, as the Home Inspector’s client, you may request that they inspect specific components and items as long as they are readily accessible and not beyond the scope of the inspection.
Q: Should all of the problem areas mentioned in the Home Inspector’s Report be listed as “Notice of Defects”? A: The answer is no – the home inspection report will look at and evaluate property conditions in a general fashion. They may list many property conditions that are not serious enough to fit the definition of a defect in the inspection contingency. These items could be listed as marginal, maintenance, or safety concerns. We will discuss the items of concern once we have the report.
Q: Should I attend my Home Inspection? A: Absolutely! This is your opportunity to learn about the home you’re purchasing, how to maintain specific components based on the inspection and ask the inspector any questions or concerns you have. It will also help the report to feel a lot less overwhelming! Chris & Kait are always at our clients home inspections too!
Q: What does the Home Inspector include in the Home Inspection Report? A: The report will include a comprehensive report that details specific areas. All of the components, systems and items that the inspector is required to evaluate will be given a ranking based on specific categories. They will report on the condition of any building component, maintenance or item that if not repaired, will have a significant adverse effect on the useful life of the item. The inspector also notes any conditions that may significantly reduce the functionality or structural integrity of the property components or systems, or that may pose a significant health / safety risk to building occupants.
Q: How does the Home Inspection Contingency work? A: When the Home Inspection Contingency is made part of the Offer to Purchase, a buyer must evaluate whether there are any defects listed in the Home Inspection report to which the buyer objects and which the buyer wants the seller to fix before the buyer will move forward with the purchase of the property.
A defect is defined as a structural, mechanical or other condition that would have a significant, adverse effect on the value of the property, significantly impair the health or safety of future occupants, or if not repaired, removed or replaced, significantly shorten or have a significant adverse effect on the expected normal life of the entire property.
Q: Should I always give a “Notice of Defect”? A: Not always. That decision is made on a case by case basis, depending upon the circumstances and what is in your best interest as the buyer in conjunction with how the offer was written and agreed upon. I will help explain why you would use a notice of defect as well as when it may be necessary to do so.
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