If you’re buying a resale home and don’t want to inherit the seller’s headaches, a home inspection is a must. Usually the offer to purchase is conditional on the buyer being satisfied with the inspection-so if the house fails the grade, there’s no deal.
Home inspectors examine the major systems in the house-plumbing, electrical, heating-plus the roof, foundation and insulation- and give the buyer a written report. The cost? Several hundred dollars, a small price to pay for the information provided.
But there’s one problem with the home inspection industry; it’s unlicensed, ungoverned, and unregulated. Anyone can establish a home inspection business with absolutely no training or credentials.
So before hiring a home inspector, check out his or her background and expertise as carefully as a good inspector will check out the house. Ask friends, family or your real estate agent for a referral.
And make sure the inspector has liability insurance, just in case a mistake is made; such as a hole in the roof or a leaky basement being overlooked.
