Professional inspections
What is a professional inspection?
How do you interview for an inspector?
What happens on the day of the inspection?
What about radon, termite and mold inspections?
What is a professional inspection?
A professional inspection is a visual analysis, along with a written report, of the building and its internal components in order to find potential problems.
An inspection is different from an appraisal. An appraisal is used by a lender to determine the market value of a property. An inspection is an in-depth look at the structure and mechanical components of the property including the roof, plumbing, and electrical and heating systems.
The inspection should be done by a qualified contractor, builder or professional home inspector who can spot potential problems that would not be apparent to the non-professional. The buyer hires the inspector. If the property you are buying was previously owned it is to be expected that some components will show signs of daily wear.
If some problem areas are found, your inspector can give you a rough estimate of the cost of repair or replacement or suggest a contractor to do so. The inspector can also advise you about the life expectancy of specific items so you can be prepared to cover replacement or repair costs, even though they may be months or years down the road.
The inspector will also inspect your future home for the purpose of identifying positive features, maintenance needs, and energy saving recommendations.
A written report will be issued usually at the end of the inspection or given to you shortly thereafter. Remember you have to address any problem areas within the time frame specified in your contract
How do you interview for an inspector?
When you are choosing your inspector, begin by interviewing several on the phone.
- Is the inspector responsive to your questions?
- Are the services comprehensive?
- What will be included in the inspection?
- When will the report be available?
- What is the cost of the inspection?
- Will the inspector be available to answer your questions after you move into the home?
Check on the inspector. Ask for credentials and references-and then verify them.
What happens on the day of the inspection?
Make sure you are present for the inspection and participate in order to learn more about your new home. The purpose of the inspection is to educate the homebuyer about the property. What better way than to be there for the entire inspection process? It is recommended that you not bring children or friends who may distract your attention from this important process. The inspection is a learning experience, and by fully participating you will learn and remember more about the property than you would by just reading the final report.
Be sure the inspector provides a written report, not just a verbal walk-through. Home inspection reports come in basically three styles: narrative, checklist and combination. Some are prepared on the spot and some are delivered a short time later. Because time usually is "of the essence" in a real estate transaction, the one delivered on the spot is usually the better choice. It doesn't make any difference if it is typed or hand-written; the important thing is to have the information at hand.
It is important to realize the limitations of even the best home inspection. The most cautious home inspector can still miss things. Although inspectors may indicate a problem with the house, the inspection process is not a guarantee that everything associated with the house will continue to work well after the inspection. Homebuyers should not expect the inspector's report to serve as a guarantee that the home's components won't fail or need repair at some point in the future.
What about radon, termite and mold inspections?
Radon measurement: A professional radon inspector must be state-certified through the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety. Your inspector should be certified by the IDNS, and not solely by the EPA (which has relinquished control of its radon proficiency program). All tests done by people other than IDNS-certified companies must be turned in with a non-compliance form.
Termite inspection: The inspector can conduct a specific inspection for the presence of termites and other wood destroying insect infestations, and provide a written report of the findings.
Mold inspection: One of the more recent concerns in the inspection process is the possible presence of mold. It is commonly known that mold has been around for many years. Yet there is a growing awareness of the problems mold can cause. Experts are unclear about whether more mold is actually being found in the air, or whether the press and local communities have made us all more aware of it. Mold can be toxic or non-toxic. Most molds found in homes and buildings today are non-toxic. Large mold infestations usually can be seen or smelled. If you have a concern about mold being present in a property you are buying, you may want to have an additional inspection by an inspector who is certified in this field.
Be sure to consult your professional real estate agent for advice.
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