The responsibility to be an informed buyer is yours. It is also your right to have your potential home inspected thoroughly by a qualified home inspector. This condition can be incorporated into the purchase agreement with a home inspection addendum stating that the sale of the home is contingent on the home inspection report. Whether you are buying a new home or a previously owned home, it is prudent and recommended to arrange for a home inspection because if you discover problems after closing, your lender will not buy back the property from you or lend you money for repairs.

 Home Inspection Misconceptions:

 A.)  An Appraisals is a Substitute for a Home Inspection 

An appraisal is no substitute for a home inspection. Appraisals are done as a lender requirement. Home inspections are done per buyer request. The lender requires an appraisal to:

·        Determine that the property is in a marketable condition

·        Estimate the property value

·        Determine that property meets the minimum property standard

Sometimes, no appraisal is required or some lenders only require a drive-by appraisal.

 B.)  A Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Code Compliance is Sufficient

 These are not supposed to substitute a thorough buyer inspection. These are requirements to make sure a home complies with the ordinances, as supervised by the City Operations & Regulatory Services.

 A Certificate of Occupancy is issued after the work is completed and inspected and approved, when a building is newly constructed, or when the occupancy changes, such as converting from a bookstore to a gas station.

 A Certificate of Code Compliance is issued after the work is completed and inspected and approved, when either a building has been moved or was condemned. The process involves an initial inspection by 5-6 different inspectors, with orders written, permits taken out, work being completed and a final inspection done.

 C.)  Truth in Sale of Housing Inspection

 This is a requirement by some counties before a home can be offered for Sale. A house has to meet the minimum standard. If not, work orders will be written and work must be completed for example within 90 days and the house has to pass a final inspection.

 Why a Buyer Needs a Home Inspection

 A home inspection gives the buyer a more detailed information than an appraisal. A qualified home inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at your potential new home to:

 A.)  Identify items that need to be repaired or replaced

B.)  Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems, equipment, structure and finishes of the property.

C.)  Evaluate the physical condition i.e. structure, construction and mechanical systems of the property.

 Thus a home inspection will give the buyer an impartial, physical evaluation of the overall condition of the property and items that need to be repaired or replaced. The home inspector will give the buyer a detailed report on the condition of the structural components, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, plumbing, air conditioning, insulation, ventilation, as well as the interior evaluation of the property.