Do I need a home
inspection?
Yes. Buying a home
"as is" is a risky proposition. Major repairs on homes can amount to
thousands of dollars. Plumbing, electrical and roof problems represent
significant and complex systems that are expensive to fix.
How do I find a
home inspector?
Your realty agent
is one source. But keeping them independent from the agent may be a good idea.
Inspectors are listed in the yellow pages. You can ask for referrals from
friends. Ask for their credentials, such as contractor's license or engineering
certificate. Also, check out their references.
How do I find a
home inspector?
In order to find a
home inspector, Dian Hymer, author of "Buying and Selling a Home A
Complete Guide," Chronicle Books, San Francisco; 1994, advises looking for
someone with demonstrable qualifications. "Ideally, the general inspector
you select should be either an engineer, an architect, or a contractor. When
possible, hire an inspector who belongs to one of the home inspection trade
organizations."
The American
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has developed formal inspection guidelines
and a professional code of ethics for its members. Membership to ASHI is not
automatic; proven field experience and technical knowledge of structures and
their various systems and appliances are a prerequisite.
One can usually
find an inspector by looking in the phone book or by inquiring at a real estate
office or sometimes at an area Realtor association.
Rates for the
service vary greatly. Many inspectors charge about $400, but costs go up with
the scope of the inspection.
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