Inspector
An objective fault-finder.
The home inspector is an objective third party who essentially gives your house a complete physical. He or she examines the property you're interested in with a fine-toothed comb, reporting on the condition of the structure and systems of the house, such as:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Foundation
- Heating and air conditioning
- Termites and other pests
- Dry rot
- Boat docks
- Sea walls
- Pools
Keep in mind:
- Ask the inspector to provide a sample report. Make sure it's legible, descriptive, and approaching the length of War and Peace. Seriously! Good reports are mini-booklets of information about your home, not just a series of checked or unchecked boxes.
- Find out what elements of the house are and are not included in the inspection.
- You should try to be on site during the inspection. You'll learn things about your house you may never know otherwise, and it's a great opportunity to ask questions.
- Talk to previous clients of the inspector who have owned their homes for a year or so. Find out if the inspector missed anything significant.
- Don't consider your inspection a guarantee or warranty, but simply the best information possible at an affordable cost.
- You may need to hire additional inspectors to check for termite damage and to inspect your roof. They will be licensed in these specific areas.
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