For most people, choosing a home to buy is the biggest decision they will ever make. Being well-informed on how to make this choice will save money and heartache in the years to come. It is wise to purchase a real estate inspection for protection against the unknown and to minimize the risk of buying a property with expensive problems that were not evident at the time of purchase. There is a limit to the amount of repair that can be ordered by the buyer from the seller, but if the seller agrees to a certain amount of repair based on the home inspection, many times it is to the benefit not only the buyer but the seller to have a Real Estate Inspector’s report. Of course it is best that the buyer hires his or her own real estate inspector, even if the seller offers an Inspection before the buyer purchases the property. Either way, it can only increase the value of the home for it to pass a real estate inspection and offer a potential buyer a clean report.

Why is it Important to get a Real Estate Inspection Before Purchasing a Home?

One of the most important reasons to order a real estate inspection report before purchasing a home is to mitigate the chances of buying a home with major repairs that must be addressed. The more a buyer knows about the defects of a home before purchasing the more bargaining power the buyer will have on the sales price. Also, the buyer will find that knowing about what things are sound and what needs repair, will give more peace of mind for making a realistic choice to go ahead and buy or to move on to another property. Of course it can get expensive to order real estate inspections for every potential property that a buyer is considering, so ordering this type of report is usually only done if a buyer is very committed to following through on the purchase of a property.

What is Covered?

Just about anything that can be inspected on the property can be covered in a Home Inspection Report. There is usually a place on the contract to write in items or fixtures that are not included in the standard language of the contract. The typical standard fixtures that are covered in a Home Inspection are; a survey of the basic operation of the heating and cooling system if applicable and building components that can be easily viewed, reached, entered, and touched without difficulty or endangerment to the inspector. The inspector will document the general condition of the structures under consideration. A report will be prepared, in writing to show discovery of systems and components of the building(s) with regard to proper functionality and safety. It is up to the client to completely read the report and then contact the Home Inspector’s office to express any concerns about the property inspection or the written report.

Usually the client must keep in mind that once the report is issued and if the client learns something more about the property’s condition, these facts must be reported to the real estate inspector immediately. The client must keep in mind that a real estate inspection report is not a home warranty policy nor is a guarantee of any kind. The report is simply a way to become aware of the present condition of the property, which then may influence the buyer to take steps to acquire a home warranty or any other insurance policy.

The Risks of Not Having an Inspection

When shopping for real estate to purchase, ‘caveat emptor’, which is Latin for ‘let the buyer beware,’ is the way to think and the way the courts will think in mediation or litigation regarding any issues that could come about down the road after the closing date on the purchase of any real property. This means that the buyer is responsible for the decision they have made. In most states it is up to the buyer to take the appropriate steps to fully inform him or her of what they are purchasing. The best way to begin this process is to get the professional opinion of an expert in a real estate inspection.

There are several reputable property inspection companies on and offline. Property owners can seek the services of these companies to provide on site verification of a property. With the availability of several foreclosure and other types of properties in the U.S, companies and individuals choose to hire the property inspectors to identify the right type of property inexpensively and quickly.

Only a qualified or experienced house inspector can carry out a home and property inspection. There are many reliable companies that provide impeccable service and homeowners can learn more about them through research online. Expert home inspectors employed in such companies carry all the credentials to prove that they’ve undergone adequate training for taking up the task at hand. With the help of these professionals, new property owners can look for any damage or need for repair both inside and outside their home.

While carrying out property inspection, inspectors will verify each and every area of the house namely the basement, roof, plumbing, air conditioners, electrical fixtures, connections, etc… that may be prone to failing or breaking. They can examine the residence thoroughly and inform property owners about the inferior contracting services in the past. They can also give significant inputs regarding the life expectancy of fixtures, the age of the residence and other structural areas in the house that may need extensive repairs etc.

Soon after the inspection the property inspector will give an inspection report with a detailed account of their findings. A property inspection report will let buyers know about the overall condition of the property they are planning to buy. After going through the report fully, buyers can negotiate the repair fees with the seller of the property.

Through property inspection, buyers can have a better understanding about the condition of the property prior to its purchase. Property sellers can also get an inspection done before putting their property up for sale. This will help them to understand what they can do to boost the value of their property further. By taking up the minor repairs, sellers can get a better price on their property and be free from buyer’s harassment later.

You can easily find reputable property inspectors using the property inspectors search tool available online. Association of Home and Property Inspectors, Real Estate Inspection Association are other Companies where in you can find trained property inspectors to handle your job. Buyers can also know more about the reliable property inspectors in their area of location by going through the local newspapers or real estate magazines or listings. Customers can hire the services of reliable companies to get an online, independent on-site inspection 24-hours a day. The inspectors can travel anywhere within the U.S. They can offer buyers a detailed report inclusive of current photos and noted observations such as window and driveway condition, structural condition and the like.

The inspectors employed at the reputable property inspection companies can also take up other tasks such as furnishing of look reports. Insurance industries and commercial lenders use the services of such personnel. The property inspectors assist insurance companies and commercial lenders by providing up-to-date information on the property they insure or lend on. Supply current photos of properties and undertaking verification of the physical address are also a part of their responsibilities.

The on site property verification services are a great help for several types of customers including owners of commercial assets, rental properties and vacation homes. The inspectors will verify tenant and storm damage. Those who wish to buy foreclosed properties may also hire the services of property inspectors to examine the current damage before buying or bidding. The services of property inspectors are also sought by online customers in order to know about the existence or condition of a vacation rental before making a deposit for the same online. Lenders are also required to conduct regular property checks on all foreclosed properties to know about its condition as per government regulations.

You made an offer on your dream home and it was accepted. You have all your financing in order and hope to close in 30 days to move in as soon as possible. It is an exciting time but it can also be a stressful time.

Before you start packing, you have one more hurdle to jump in the home buying process. When your realtor wrote the Earnest Money agreement, he or she probably advised you to ask for a home inspection. This inspection would be paid by you, the buyer. Most inspections cost around $500 and whether you purchase the home or not, the buyer still have to pay for the home inspection.

In most cases the realtor will recommend several home inspectors to you. The realtor will provide you the names of more than one. It is your responsibility to call the home inspectors and set up an appointment. This should be done quickly and usually it has a time frame in the sales agreement.

Some homebuyers may feel like this is a waste of time. After all, they found a home they love and it looks great. After your realtor explains that you can inspect the house yourself, but he does not recommend it. Even if you are in the construction business, you might think you know everything about performing a home expectation.

This is one area you should never try to do yourself. Even if you have some construction knowledge a licensed home inspector does more then just take a quick look around. They will start by crawling under the home and looking for foundation problems. He or she also will inspect for pest such as termites. This is a very important part of the inspection. The inspector will usually spend several hours at the house looking and searching for things that might cause you problems in the future.

After the home inspector has finished the inspection, they will type up a copy of the report and provide you with a copy. He will include pictures and details on every aspect of the home. The report will guarantee that findings are accurate and true. After you and your realtor receive your copy set up an appointment to review it together.

There may be some surprises from the home inspection. That are better to know now, then to learn about after you buy the home with major flaws. Together with your realtor, you will decide on the best plan of action. You can ask the seller to fix everything that the home inspector has found or you can ask for a reduction in the price of the home. Your lender may require that some things get done before the loan is final. At this point you can change your mind and back out of the agreement to buy the house if the seller and you can’t come to an agreement. Although, most of the time, things can be negotiated between the buyer and seller to have the problem areas fixed.

After everything has been corrected to your satisfaction, you are ready to sign off and say you are pleased with the home and want to continue to closing.

A home inspector will bring you much needed peace of mind. This is a very important part of the home buying process. Even a brand new home should have a home inspection.

So if you are in the middle of putting in an offer for a home, do not forget to ask for a home inspection. It is one of the most important parts of the process. You will be glad you took the time and spent the money to give you this peace of mind.

On May 7, 2010 law SB 183 was passed by State of California. What is SB 183 and how does affect you? SB 183- is also known as the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010. Here is a summary of how it will affect homeowners who are going to put their home on the market and future homeowners:

• Under California Law carbon monoxide detectors must be installed on all single-family units intended for human occupancy on or before July 1, 2011. The State Fire Marshall must approve these devices before they are put on the market for retail or installed. Failure to install these devices can cost you a maximum of $200 per offense. However, the property owner will have 30 days to correct the infractions before the fines are imposed. This bill also requires that landlords or property managers of multi-unit dwellings intended for human occupancy: to install, repair, maintain or test any existing carbon monoxide detectors.



• Therefore carbon monoxide detectors not approved by the California State Marshall will not be allowed to be brought to market which at first can lead to higher prices for the Marshall-approved devices. Whether this happens or not remains to be seen but any time something is mandated by the state to modified the costs is passed onto the consumers. Example: cleaner burning gasoline.
• Whenever a home has appliances that require fossil fuels to generate any type of energy such as: gas burning fireplaces, heaters, stoves, dryers and any other appliance the homeowner must install carbon monoxide detectors. If you fail to do so it will prevent you from trying t sell your home.

Where to and not to place Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

• Do not place devices in any humid areas or spaces “bathrooms, kitchens”
• Do place devices 10-15 feet of all bedrooms
• Do not place devices in utility rooms “laundry room, etc…” but do place outside

Every year the rate of deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning seems to be on the rise or the news media is making us more aware of it. Whatever the case is, it’s important to take measures so your family is safe while they sleep. Since as we have heard before carbon monoxide is the silent killer. You go to sleep and never wake up, it’s always better to be safe them sorry. Ultimately it might be costly depending on the amount you will need to purchase. Although the cost per device can range anywhere between $15 to $100. There are also monitoring services that will alert you whenever there is a carbon monoxide leak. Ultimately this law my seem harsh to abide by but in this case lives can and will be saved.

However, the State of California implemented this law for dwellings intended for human occupancy, only. Which leaves most of us to wonder: How come this law doesn’t apply to government institutions? As always our state passes laws for the residents to abide by but they get to take a pass on it. This should be a universal law that includes government as well as residents.

Whether we agree with this law or not it’s too late to do anything about it now. All we can is comply with it or risk not being able to put your home on the market or a $200 fine per infraction. Don’t delay act now since this law will take effect July 1, 2011! Lastly, once you have installed your carbon monoxide detectors, don’t forget to change the batteries every six months or they are worthless.

Buying a home is among one of the most important events in person’s lifetime. A home purchase is almost as important as finding the right spouse. So if you are considering not having a home inspection before you buy it to save money. This can be a very costly mistake that will cost more than you are saving.

A home may look great to the naked eye but we can’t see through drywall and stucco. Inside the walls there are many important things “electrical wires, plumbing pipes, termites, rotting wood, mold, etc..” that can keep you up at night without an inspection. Any home can look great with a fresh coat of paint but the frame and foundation are what keep a home standing. So if the home looks great from the outside make sure it looks great from the inside, as well.

A property inspection is not be confused with a home appraisal. A home appraisal is performed to estimate the market value of your property. While, a home inspection is performed to identify any problem areas with a home before the buying and selling process is completed.

A trained and licensed home inspector will perform a complete and thorough home inspection. That includes:

• Exterior – Inspect and look for maintenance or repairs needed
• Interior – Inspect all doors and windows to ensure they open and close properly
• floors are level – Inspect to ensure the floors are leveled and there is no shifting or movement
• Plumbing – Inspect all pipes for leaks, check water pressure and overall condition
• Electrical – Inspect for faulty wiring, dangerous situations and ensure everything is up to code
• Heating and Air Conditioning – Ensure that the units have been maintained properly and for efficiency
• Kitchen – Inspect all appliances are in working order and plumbing
• Baths – Inspect floors, check for leaks and plumbing
• Roof – Check age of the roof, condition of the shingles and how much life is left for the current roof
• Foundation – Inspect for shifting, cracks, moisture and structural integrity



• Grounds – Inspect for shifting and movement sidewalks, driveways, porches, patios and retaining walls

• Attached Structures – Inspect the condition of sheds, garages, decks, patios and other

Therefore don’t let anyone try to persuade you to buy a home without a professional home inspection. Using an inspector recommended by the selling party or realtor is never a good idea because they might not always have your best interest in mind. Always find your own inspector never go with a recommended inspector by the realtor or the seller. Do your own research and find a home inspector of your choice. There different ways to find a qualified inspector, from looking online or the BBB.

When you contact an inspector always ask questions:

• Years of Experience?
• What type of report to expect “written or verbal”?
• How long does the inspection take?
• What is included in the home inspection?
• Their credentials?
• Does inspector carry errors and omissions insurance?

It’s important find a seasoned inspector to ensure yourself they will perform a thorough and complete inspection. Make sure the report is in writing to have something to refer to and documented proof of anything that will require repairing or replacing. If your inspector tells you the inspection will last about one hour, thank him or her for their time and call someone else. A proper home inspection should take between 2 to 4 hours. Inquire about what is included in the inspection to make sure they are going to inspect every crook and cranny of the home you want to buy.

Once the inspector provides you with their credentials or licenses numbers check their standing with the agency that certified them. Lastly, one very important thing to ask about is, do they carry Errors and Omissions insurance. This is important because if the inspector missed something during the inspection you are covered.

Never hire an untrained or unlicensed inspector because they are not bound to follow any standards or code of ethics as a fully trained and licensed home inspector. Most of the time uncertified home inspectors have had their credentials revoked or they took an online course and upon passing a quiz they received a 10-cent diploma.

At AP Inspection we know there are many other home inspection services to choose from but only can provide you with a thorough and professional property inspection. One of our inspectors will provide you with a comprehensive report. The report will be fully narrative, easy-to-read, and will include a report summary and photographs. For a sample a home inspection report click HERE.

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