Home Inspections 101

What is a home inspection?

• A home inspection is a physical examination of the physical structure and systems of a house from head to toe (roof to foundation) by an objective, neutral inspection professional.

Why do I need a home inspection?

• Purchasing a home is for many the largest single investment they will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection can identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape, which will allow you to make a confident, educated decision.

• If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.
• If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

Can I save the money and do do it myself?

• While you may be extremely knowledgeable, even the most experienced homeowner or buyer lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. They know what to look for in how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.

• Still, probably the biggest reason you will want to retain the help of a professional is that most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. Sellers may also be too lax in considering repair, maintenance or replacement issues that need to be managed prior to sale. For best results, it is always optimal to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.

What does a home inspection include?

A typical home inspector’s report will cover:

• HVAC System
• Insulation and Ventilation
• Plumbing System
• Electrical System
• Roof System
• Chimney
• Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
• Attic
• Ceilings
• Floors, Walls & Joists
• Windows
• Doors
• Foundation
• Basement
• Structural System
• Gutters & Downspouts
• Exterior Walls
• Lot & Grounds
• Exterior Structures (e.g. pools, outdoor buildings, etc.)

Can a house fail a home inspection?

A professional home inspection is not a pass or fail issue, but rather an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will investigate a house and describe its physical condition, indicating what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.

What will it cost?

• The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies from region to region, as does the housing market. As such, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic, well or radon testing.

• Cost should not be be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost. Always check for referrals and reviews - the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s regulations, and professional affiliations as a guide.

A professional home inspection from a trusted home inspection company will give you peace of mind and help facilitate a successful, pain-free transaction. At Contemporary Home Inspections, we are your Middle Tennessee Home Inspection experts! You are always invited and encouraged to review the report with your inspector after they perform their inspection. We take great pride in every inspection we perform. When the inspection is over, your master certified inspector will prepare a detailed inspection report regarding the property. Contact Contemporary Home Inspections today at (615) 541-8992 for more information.

For info on special offers & updates, click here:  http://www.mastercertifiedinspections.com

Top 5 Home Inspection Mistakes

A home inspection is one of the most important steps you can take to make sure your new Middle Tennessee home is a sound investment and a safe place to live. But, many people don't fully understand what happens in a home inspection or what they need to do to get the most out of it. We have put together a quick list of the top 5 biggest home inspection mistakes buyers make, and how you can avoid these potentially disastrous blunders.

1. Not having a professional inspection on a new home
It’s important to recognize that even though a home has passed all local codes and ordinances, it may not be as ship-shape as you would expect. Don't assume your builder -- or the contractors -- did everything right just because the home passed code. An inspector is your last line of defense against major defects that could quite literally sink your financial future.

2. Choosing an inspector for the wrong reasons
When you choose an inspector, you're selecting the professional who will give one of your biggest investments a full physical checkup. You want to choose someone you know who is competent, thorough and trustworthy. Going with the cheapest inspection company or the one recommended by their Realtor can be a costly mistake. The least expensive person is sometimes the person with the least experience, ability and technical savvy. Always ask about licensing, professional affiliations, credentials, references, and whether the inspector carries errors and omissions insurance.

3. Not attending the inspection
The written report you get from the inspector doesn't give you nearly as clear a picture of the condition of the house as you might think. Buyers who don't go along on the inspection can overemphasize minor problems, or worse, not realize how serious a defect is. Go along with the inspector, ask questions and listen when they give you their professional opinion on the house.

4. Not following up on the inspector's recommendations
Sometimes, buyers don't follow up on items discovered in the inspection before they close. Often inspectors will recommend buyers get an issue evaluated further, but the buyers wait to do it until after closing. Waiting can cause an issue to be more expensive or a bigger deal than anticipated. Always get several estimates on repairs before closing, and feel comfortable calling your inspector to discuss these estimates. Your inspector may be able to share some insight into the contractor’s suggestions.

5. Expecting too much of your inspector
Contrary to what some may want to believe, your home inspector may be skilled, but they can't see the future. They can't specifically predict when an aging system will fail. Homebuyers and sellers can be overly “optimistic” in choosing to think a system still has a few good years just because there aren't visible signs of malfunction at the time of inspection. A home inspector can tell you that an air conditioning system like the one in the home you're buying usually only lasts 10 years, and yours is 11 years old. But they can't tell you when it will fail. That's when you need to follow up with people who know more about each specific system about which you have questions. Remember, the home inspector is hired by you to give you an honest, straight opinion about the house.

A professional home inspection from Contemporary Home Inspections will give you peace of mind and help facilitate a successful, pain-free transaction. At Contemporary Home Inspections, we are your Middle Tennessee Home Inspection experts! We take great pride in every inspection facilitate a successful, pain-free transaction. When the inspection is over, your master certified inspector will prepare a detailed inspection report regarding the property. Contact Contemporary Home Inspections today at (615) 541-8992 for more information.

For info on special offers & updates, click below:  http://www.mastercertifiedinspections.com