Cincinnati Home Buyers and Sellers constantly ask, "Is a Home Inspection necessary?" When purchasing your first home or your fifth home, a Home Inspection should be part of the budget.  Prior to purchasing a home, or even putting your home on the market, consider a home inspection from a licensed/certified Home Inspector.  The following is a brief 101 on what you can expect.

Home Inspection Report – what in the world is it?

A home inspection report is used as part of contract negotiations.  The full report will give you a written report stating whether there are defects in the property.  This report plays an integral part of the Inspection Contingency in the contract.  An inspection prior to putting your home on the market will give you an idea of repairs that a potential buyer will ultimately ask for.  It may also show you needed repairs that you, the homeowner may not see because you live in the home daily.

Is the Home Inspector Licensed?

Although not a requirement in most states, it is an added benefit that the home inspector you choose is licensed.  Do your homework, ask to see a copy of their license or where online that you can see a copy of it.  One certification to look for is - The American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc. (ASHI) is a not-for-profit professional society established in 1976. Membership in ASHI is voluntary and its members are private home inspectors. ASHI’s objectives include promotion of excellence within the profession and continual improvement of its members’ inspection services to the public.

What inspections will you get?

Does the whole house inspection include a pest inspection, mold inspection, radon inspection, asbestos, lead and radiation inspections.  Not to overwhelm the situation, but make sure you know what you are getting from the inspector.  If you need a specific inspection such as septic, seek the guidance of a professional.

Inspecting Structural Elements

The Home inspection includes identification of structural elements such as walls, roof and foundation. An inspector completes an exterior inspection of sidewalks, landscaping, fences and lighting systems.  All components of plumbing, electrical and heating, ventilation and central air units are checked.   A home inspector checks the appliances and garbage disposal for proper working order

Receipt of the Inspection Report

Once completed, most inspectors will supply you with a written inspection report itemizing all of the inspected components of the home.  With this report comes a repair advisory summary.  This summary is not the entire report. The complete report may include additional information of concern to the client. It is recommended that the client read the complete report.  The repair advisory is typically the items that the inspector feels most important that need attention.  The report will not contain pricing for each repair.  Pricing is provided by a professional that you hire specializing in the defective item to provide you with a professional opinion on repairing the particular defect.

Some things to remember:  No home is perfect.  Consider when you are purchasing a home that routine maintenance and upkeep is going to be part of home ownership.  Get the piece of mind by hiring a professional home inspector to inspect your future purchase.