Last week, we had several properties having home inspections being done, all by the same inspector. We try to use the same vendors, over and over, because they consistently bring their best to the job each and every time, which is one reason why we like John. And he shares my affinity for all things Mac related, but that’s for another post.
So we kept John busy last week, and in the course of those inspections I got to thinking about the purpose of the home inspection. On the Contract we use, the home inspection clause reads:
“A home inspection for the purposes of this Contract is RESTRICTED TO DETERMINING ONLY that the plumbing (including well, well pump and septic systems, if any), heating, air conditioning (if any), electrical systems and appliances are in safe working order, there are no structural defects, and the roof is free of leaks. The home inspection and any subsequent inspections shall be at Purchaser’s expense.” It’s not a license to swing for the fences …
With that in mind, the inspection is a comprehensive snapshot of the major systems in a home. It usually takes 3 or 4 hours to complete, usually costs a few hundred dollars, and the result will be a thorough report detailing the good – and sometimes bad – regarding the condition of the home. If you’re a home owner, preparing to put your home on the market, you might also want to consider getting a home inspection … it’ll give you a better idea of items that can or should be addressed prior to listing your home.
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What is a home inspection? Two answers: 1 – technical and simple; 2 – nuanced and broad.
Answer 1) A home inspection is the visual observation of the accessible systems and structures. The scope of the home inspection is typically determine by the governing Standards of Practice of the home inspector’s associated professional organization(e.g. NAHI or ASHI) and the real estate contract home inspection clause.
Answer 2) A home inspection is a “moment of truth” when the client’s dream come face to face with reality. The home inspection is an independent, unbiased observation of the home communicated in a clear, concise manner that things the way they really are. It is important to recognize that the information provided in the inspection report may exceed the information required by the contract home inspection clause. In fact, a home inspector, in an effort to provide good service to a client, will specifically provide additionally information (e.g. maintenance tips, home systems orientation, cosmetic defect comments) in order to provide a report that, hopefully, has lasting value to the homeowner. However, the usage of the home inspection report should not be to supersede the parameters detailed in the contract’s home inspection clause. The challenge is in managing the “overflow” of information that the home inspection may provide. In my view, it is incumbent to both the Realtor and home inspector to set proper expectations, prior to the inspection, as to the purpose of the home inspection. It is a valuable service that helps the client make an informed decision.
What is a home inspection? Two answers: 1 – technical and simple; 2 – nuanced and broad.
Answer 1) A home inspection is the visual observation of the accessible systems and structures. The scope of the home inspection is typically determine by the governing Standards of Practice of the home inspector’s associated professional organization(e.g. NAHI or ASHI) and the real estate contract home inspection clause.
Answer 2) A home inspection is a “moment of truth” when the client’s dream come face to face with reality. The home inspection is an independent, unbiased observation of the home communicated in a clear, concise manner that things the way they really are. It is important to recognize that the information provided in the inspection report may exceed the information required by the contract home inspection clause. In fact, a home inspector, in an effort to provide good service to a client, will specifically provide additionally information (e.g. maintenance tips, home systems orientation, cosmetic defect comments) in order to provide a report that, hopefully, has lasting value to the homeowner. However, the usage of the home inspection report should not be to supersede the parameters detailed in the contract’s home inspection clause. The challenge is in managing the “overflow” of information that the home inspection may provide. In my view, it is incumbent to both the Realtor and home inspector to set proper expectations, prior to the inspection, as to the purpose of the home inspection. It is a valuable service that helps the client make an informed decision.
Thanks, John, for your comment. Your point about setting proper expectations is right on, I think; all of us in the transaction (buyer, seller, agents and inspectors) need to know from the outset what the purpose of the inspection is.
Thanks, John, for your comment. Your point about setting proper expectations is right on, I think; all of us in the transaction (buyer, seller, agents and inspectors) need to know from the outset what the purpose of the inspection is.
This is a great post. I think that way too many times buyers only look at the monthly mortgage payment and fail to account for everything else that goes with home ownership.
Principal, interest, taxes and insurance are just the beginning. Whether your a first-time buyer or thinking about moving up, you should plan for extra costs that could add up to thousands each year. Give yourself the piece of mind and get a home inspection.