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Home Inspections & Warranties
- Q & A
| Q: |
How do I
find a home inspector? |
| A: |
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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| Q: |
What's a
home inspection? |
| A: |
A
home inspection is when a paid professional inspector -- often a
contractor or an engineer -- inspects the home, searching for defects or
other problems that might plague the owner later on. They usually
represent the buyer and or paid by the buyer. The inspection usually
takes place after a purchase contract between buyer and seller has been
signed. |
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| Q: |
Do I need a
home inspection? |
| A: |
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. |
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| Q: |
How do I
find a home inspector? |
| A: |
Your
realty agent is one source. 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. |
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Copyright 1999 Inman News Features
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