It may seem silly to hire a professional to perform a home inspection on a brand new house that has never been lived in before. However, one vigilant inspector found numerous problems on one recent inspection. Shingles were lifting with nails sticking out, which is something that would have cost the home owner an additional $3,000 to $10,000 over the next year.
Imagine how much gaps around windows and doors, and poor attic insulation can cost a homeowner in heating and cooling prices alone! Not to mention that these gaps can also expose the home to the elements, as rain, snow and sun will penetrate the open spaces.
Broken Tiles And Water Pools
In this particular instance, floor tiles were broken, water was pooled in the basement, condensation appeared near the furnace, electrical wires were resting on heating ducts and there was a huge hole bashed into the basement wall. It seems that even new homes are subject to their fair share of problems.
There are several professional home inspection options. Most people get a pre purchase building pest inspection Brisbane, which will reveal structural weaknesses, repairs and a detailed assessment of the home’s condition.
Before Making The Final Purchase
This event takes place after financing is approved, after a bid is placed and after most paperwork is signed, but before the final purchase is made. Once the home inspection services are completed, you may then sign the final paperwork, make an adjusted (lower) bid, or decline the housing offer altogether.
Before selecting a company to provide a home inspection, be sure to ask for credentials and certification. There are three major associations offering certification in the United States, which are the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) based out of Illinois, the Housing Inspection Federation (HIF) from Arizona, the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) from Colorado, or the National Association of Home Inspectors based in Minnesota.
Maintaining Your Membership
The toughest requirements are with the ASHI, which require at least 250 paid hours of inspections, passage of two written exams and 40 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain membership. By comparison, HIF asks inspector prospects to fill out an application and pay $165. NACHI requires inspector hopefuls to pass a series of online exams with 80% or higher results, and perform 24 hours of continuing education each year to maintain membership.
NAHI has very slim requirements; in fact, all you have to do is send in a copy of an inspection you did for a friend or family member, pay your dues and you are in! As you can see, there is a wide range of qualifications within home inspection services industry.
Generally, a home inspection covers structural elements like wall construction, ceilings, floors, roofing and the foundation. Any damage in these areas is likely a deal breaker! The inspectors also take a look at the exterior wall coverings, landscaping, elevation, drainage, driveways, rural fencing Perth, sidewalks, fascia, trim, doors, windows and lights.