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House inspection standards vary from state to state so do your due diligence. If you are a buyer wanting to make sure you are buying a good house, hire a home inspector who can explain to you the home inspection standards in your state that will affect the inspection process he will conduct on the property you are planning to buy.

It is essential that you know the home inspection standards in your state because there are many things not covered in a standard home inspection. Many buyers assume that every damage or defect in a house will be detected by the home inspector and every part and system of the house will be inspected when in fact house inspectors are limited in the places they can access.

It is important therefore that you know which parts or systems are not examined in a regular inspection so you can schedule another specialized inspection.

In some states, house inspection is not yet a state-regulated activity. These states have allowed state inspection organizations or national organizations to take over the certification of inspectors.

If your state does not license house inspectors, check the state or national inspection organization where your inspector is a member and research their inspection standards and the systems and parts of the house which are not inspected during regular inspections.

Typically, the parts or systems that are not inspected during standard inspections as listed by many organizations and states are fences, alarm systems, water softening equipment, septic systems and low voltage wiring systems such as outdoor lighting, security systems and phone lines.

Home inspectors doing regular inspection also do not inspect bug problems and potentially hazardous substances such as radon, asbestos and lead-based paint. Outbuildings are also not inspected if they are not included in the agreement. Parts of the house that cannot be physically accessed by the inspector are also not inspected.

Oftentimes also, the list of parts not inspected depends on the age of the home you are buying. The newer the property, the faster the inspection is conducted so the inspector has more time to do things such as testing oven heating capacity or microwave strength. When inspecting older homes, the inspector will focus on the roof, furnace, drainage and the hot water tank.

All in all, do your own due diligence because there are many parts excluded in a standard house inspection as inspectors and inspection associations avoid potential professional liabilities and want to get compensated for time factors and specialized training.

Home Inspection

Houses can look okay and fine, but you may not know details that would make them fail a great deal. House inspectors are here top help you evaluate your house. Here are some areas you should make sure to be checked, as well as what details are to be inspected:

• The house structure. You can check the house structure by yourself by standing at a certain distance. From there, look at the house and how it stands. Inside, you can check the walls and make sure that they do not bow. Also, the floors should be checked and made sure to be stable and solid.
• Water. You have to make sure that water goes away from the house. Also, ask for the pipes to be inspected so that there are no leaks in them.
• Roof. Make sure that the roof is strong. It should be installed properly so that it can serve its purpose well.
• Details. The finishing details should look flawless. This would show great workmanship and also strong and quality materials.
• Kitchen and bathroom. Check the sinks, bath tubs and even toilet bowls. They should work properly. Also, check and inspect the pressure of the faucet and the flush.
• Electrical. This is one of the most important aspects you should check in a house. You can check for the number of electrical outlets and if it would match your needs. Also, make sure that the connections are installed properly and that the main breaker is at 100 amps at least.
• Water heater. House inspectors should be able to give a comprehensive report not only of the water heater, but of the plumbing as well. Depending on your preference, you can go with an electric heater or a gas heater.
• Heater. Make sure that the furnace or any heating unit in your house is running efficiently. Rooms should be properly insulated, and air conditioning should also be properly installed.
• Insulation. House inspectors would be able to give you information regarding the insulation in your house. For instance, if you are in an area with a moderate climate, you should look for insulation that is at least R-19. Also, if you are in a cold area, your insulation should be at least R-38.

Home Inspectors

Home inspection cost pays off immediately and in the long term, according to contractors, homeowners and other real estate professionals.

An adequate house inspection will assure you that the house you are buying does not have any major defect, thereby saving you from costly repairs and other losses.

If you look at typical house inspection costs, you will find out that they cost only a few hundred dollars while major repairs will cost you several thousand dollars.

In many states, the standard house inspection fee ranges from $300 to $400, depending on the area, age, type and location of the house and the number of hours needed to conduct the inspection. For additional inspections, such as inspection for radon, energy audit, septic system check, pest inspection, water purity evaluation or the use of an infrared camera scanner, your standard inspection fee will increase by $95 to $150.

More specialized inspections such as comprehensive lead testing in all areas of the house including water, soil and dust will cost around $325.

To compare inspection costs, you can look at the web sites of house inspectors that serve your community and that offer discounts for optional inspection. Just make sure that the inspector you hire is certified by the state and by a reputable national home inspection association and backed up by years of inspection. Do not base your selection solely on home inspection cost or on the attractiveness of the inspector’s web site.

If you want a more thorough inspection, look for an inspector that previously worked or is currently working in home construction. Contractors know which parts or systems of the house usually cause problems.

There are also inspection web sites now that provide free quotes, but you need to provide detailed information about your house so they can make estimates.

Before actual inspection, make sure that you and the inspector are clear about what types of inspections will be conducted, total fees, the types of reports to be given to you, the time you are going to receive the reports and what happens if there is a need for reinspection.

Ask also if the inspector issues a guarantee in case his omission leads to costly repairs. Several house inspection organizations reimburse homeowners if their inspectors fail to check systems or parts that lead to repairs within the guarantee period.

All in all, home inspection cost is actually an investment in the home buying process by any individual dreaming to be a homeowner. The inspection process ensures that the home buyer’s investment is not lost in a defective property.

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