What Is An Inspection?- Why Do I Need An Inspection?
- What Does An Inspection Include?
- When Do I Request An Inspector?
- How Long Does An Inspection Take?
- What Areas Do You Service?
- Are There Environmental Services I should Consider?
- Can A Building “FAIL” The Inspection?
- What If The Report Reveals Problems?
- If The Report Is Favorable, Did I Really Need An Inspection?
- Can I Inspect The Building Myself?
- What Will The Inspection Cost?
- Should I Attend The Inspection?
- What Is ASHI?
- It’s Brand New…What Could be Wrong?
- Peace of Mind
- Other Inspection Related Services
What Is An Inspection?
An inspection is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a building. If you are thinking of buying a single family home, multi-family home, condominium, townhouse, co-op, mobile home, estate, historical home or commercial building, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.
Why Do I Need An Inspection?
The purchase of a home or commercial building is one of the largest single investments you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect — both inside and out — in terms of needed and future repairs and maintenance. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a chronic roof leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional opinion as to the condition of the property and systems present, so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a building, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and be able to make your decision confidently.
What Does An Inspection Include?
A complete inspection includes a visual examination of the building from top to bottom. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, electrical systems, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Only those items that are visible, accessible and functional at that time of year by normal means are included in the report.
When Do I Request An Inspection?
The best time to consult the inspector is right after you’ve made an offer and it is accepted. The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period for inspection and testing. Ask your professional agent or your attorney to include the inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligations contingent upon the findings of a professional inspection.
How Long Does An Inspection Take?
A typically home inspection usually ranges in the 2-4 hours range depending on the age, size and services requested. A good rule of thumb will be an hour per 1,000 sqft.
What Areas Do You Service?
We are licensed and certified for the entire state of New York. Our service area is – Dutchess County, Ulster County, Orange County, Putnam County, Columbia County, Greene County and Westchester County. Other counties upon request!
Are There Environmental Services I should Consider?
This is likely the biggest purchase in your lifetime. And this is where you plan to have your friends and family gather. This is the time to protect you and your family by understanding the environmentals that exist in your future home. Feel free to click on the links for more information about the more common environmental that can have a impact on you health.
Radon Gas Testing
Water Quality and Testing
Mold Testing and Inspection
Lead Testing and Inspection
Indoor Air Quality Testing and Inspection
Can A Building “FAIL” The Inspection?
No. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a building, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or replacement.
What If The Report Reveals Problems?
If the inspector finds problems in a building, it does not necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of maintenance, repairs or replacement to anticipate. The report is to document the health and safety issues and the overall property condition at time of inspection. However, it can be a tool to assist in budgeting repairs replacement and negotiations. The choice is yours.
If The Report Is Favorable, Did I Really Need An Inspection?
Of course! Now you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You may have learned a few things about your property from the inspection report, and will want to keep that information for your future reference. Above all, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy or occupy your new home or building the way you want.
Can I Inspect The Building Myself?
If you want, sure! But it is not recommended. Even the most experienced building or home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional inspector who has inspected hundreds, and perhaps thousands of homes and buildings in their career. An inspector is equally familiar with the critical elements of construction and with the proper installation, maintenance and inter-relationships of these elements. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the building they really want, and this may lead to a poor assessment.
What Will The Inspection Cost?
The inspection fee for a typical single-family house or commercial building varies geographically, as does the cost of housing, similarly within a geographic area, the inspection fees charged for different inspection or testing services may vary depending upon the size of the building, particular features of the building, age, type of structure, etc. However, the cost should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a inspection performed. You could save many times the cost of the inspection when using a qualified professional.
Should I Attend The Inspection?
It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a really good idea. Part of the experience you will have is the engaging conversation in reference to the findings at the moment of inspection. By observing and asking questions, you will learn and have a better understanding of the depth and breath of the issue at hand. And get some great tips on general maintenance and information that will be of great help after you’ve moved in. If for some reason your busy lifestyle prevents you from attending, we are more than willing to schedule a conference call after the inspection to review the results at your convenience.
What Is ASHI?
American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.(ASHI), founded in 1976, is North America’s oldest and most respected professional society of home inspectors. ASHI’s goals have always been to build customer awareness of the importance of a quality home inspection and enhance the professionalism of home inspectors. This not-for-profit professional association for home inspectors made its first order of business to establish and advocate high standards of practice and a strict code of ethics for the member community. The Mission of ASHI is To set and promote standards for property inspections and to provide the educational programs needed to achieve excellence in the profession and to meet the needs of our members. ASHI is the most respected professional association for home inspectors in North America. Through ASHI’s continued efforts, ASHI’s Standards of Practice—covering all of a home’s major systems—are now part of many pieces of state legislation and are recognized by consumers as the authoritative standard for professional home inspection.
It’s Brand New… What Could be Wrong?
It is not good business to forego a home inspection on a newly constructed house, regardless of how conscientious and reputable your home builder is. No home, regardless of how well it is constructed, is totally free of defects. The construction of a house involves thousands of details, performed at the hands of scores of individuals. No general contractor can possibly oversee every one of these elements, and the very nature of human fallibility dictates that some mistakes and oversights will occur, even when the most talented and best-intentioned tradespeople are involved.
Peace of Mind
A professional inspection should be able to give you the confidence and information needed to satisfy you and make an informed decision…..is this the home for you!.
Other Inspection Related Services
In addition to performing building inspections, many inspectors help with analysis and solutions to specific problems, such as foundations, energy conservation, and roofing problems. Inspectors are also frequently called upon to review restoration and home improvement plans as well as maintenance specifications, contracts and progress inspections for new construction to help ensure proper completion of contracted work. If you find that you are involved in a dispute regarding construction work performed on your building, an inspector can provide expert advice. Also, inspection experts inspect commercial and investment properties, multiple unit dwellings, condominiums, town homes, mobile homes and perform reserve studies as well.
