Home Inspection Services
Whether you are a first time home buyer or you just want to sell your house, a professional home inspection can save energy and money. It is best that problems be addressed before, and a written home inspection report can come up with a long list of problems in some cases. The American Society of Home Inspectors is the world’s leading non-profit professional association forindependent home inspection and building inspection. It often acts as a home buyers guide to identify problems before purchasing a home, and it also helps those who want to sell their home for the best price possible. There are several types of home inspections, all following the ASHI Standards of Practice.
Pre & Post Construction Inspections
These are the types of inspections that are scheduled in different stages throughout the construction process, in order to ensure that the property is built correctly and respects local building code regulations and good workmanship.
Pre Closing Inspections
A pre-closing inspection is typically requested when a property due for closing has sustained damage or has been in an area where a storm or hurricane has caused damage to the surrounding properties. If a substantial amount of time has passed since the initial inspection, the Title Company and the buyers generally request that a final inspection is carried out just before closing.
Specific Condition Inspections
A specific condition inspection is typically requested by the owners of properties where specific damage is suspected, for instance roof failure, plumbing issues or insufficient running of the air conditioning systems. Generally, most home owners request this inspection near the end of the builder’s home warranty period.
Post Storm & Hurricane Inspections
As the title itself suggests, this type of inspection is typically carried out for the owner of properties that have been affected by a storm or hurricane, in order to determine whether structure damage has been sustained after the storm or hurricane has passed through. Owners use the reports submitted after the inspections to arrange repairs and insurance compensation.
Full Home Inspections
A full home inspection consists of a full, professional evaluation of the property, along with testing the functionality of all the services. Generally, the inspection covers everything from the roof to the foundation.
4 point Insurance Inspection
A four point insurance inspection is required for insurance purposes, generally with properties that are older than 10 years or in areas where recent storms or hurricanes have caused damage to surrounding properties. An increasing number of insurance companies now require this type of inspection before renewing a policy.
Termite Inspection
Whether you live in North or South America, your home may very well be a target for termites. They can enter your home through small cracks in the foundation or slab, through utility entry points, or any other place in which soil contacts the wood. And if they can’t find easy entrance points near the ground, termites will construct mud tunnels up the side of a structure to access areas above the ground. They rarely reach the surface of what they’re eating, so most of the time people don’t even know they have been infested with termites until it’s too late.
Termite inspections are strongly recommended, as early detection can prevent thousands of dollars or damage or, in more severe cases, total reconstruction of a property due to an infestation.
Mold Limited Inspection
If mold is suspected within a property, a mold inspection is highly recommended. Such inspections are limited and are carried out in agreed specific areas of the property, swab tests or air quality samples.
Home Warranty
A home warranty can offer valuable protection on major systems and appliances, including home heating, plumbing, electrical and central air conditioning systems coverage to give buyers more security. Pre-existing conditions are not covered, as coverage is for systems and appliances in good working order at the start of the contract. When a problem occurs with a covered appliance or mechanical system, a service technician repairs or replaces it with new, top-quality parts and appliances.
Home Watch Overseas Property Inspection
Many people who own property overseas have concerns about their property while away. In such cases, a local property manager can be hired if the property is in a rental management program, however the property manager may not be the best person to carry out this service. Hiring a local home inspector may be a better idea.
Standard Home Inspection Services Involve
- inspecting the roof for damage
- inspecting doors and windows for signs of break in
- inspecting landscaping for proper maintenance
- inspect pool and spa for proper maintenance
- ensure mail does not overfill the street mailbox or door step
- walking through property checking security
- flushing toilets and running water in all appliances to ensure bugs don’t get in
- checking for insects and notifying a pest control company if problems are identified
- reviewing any maintenance carried out by property managers
- recording water, electric and gas meter readings
- providing a written home inspection report
- arranging with a local contractor to provide quotes for any repairs required
- acting as overseas representatives for emergency services access
The home-buying process is stressful enough, especially if you are a first time home buyer, and nothing could be worse than suddenly finding out that there are major issues with the property you just purchased. Save energy and money by contracting licensed professional engineers to conduct a professional home inspection and building evaluation to help you feel more secure about your purchasing decision.
There are a number of home inspector websites where you can find all the information you need on the topic, find a local home inspector, learn about the home inspection service available with home inspection companies, find certified home inspectors, get a free home inspection checklist, find estate professionals, franchise opportunities and much more.