An Overview of Home Inspections

Presented By

Rick MichalicekASHI Certified InspectorASHI #246060Moore Home Inspection Services, LLC(314) 727-6868

What is a Home Inspection?Wikipedia says:

"A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. This is usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares a written report, often using home inspection software, and delivers it to a client, typically the home buyer. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase… "

There are many types of inspections…

Pre-Purchase Inspections (most common)Pre-Listing InspectionsFollow Up InspectionsNew Construction InspectionsBank/Insurance Company InspectionsSingle Component Inspections (e.g. roof only)Disaster/FEMA InspectionsMunicipal (occupancy) Inspections

Additional Services Often Provided by Inspection Companies…

Wood Destroying Pest Inspections (termite)Radon Gas TestingHome Energy AuditingLead, Mold and Asbestos Testing (by laboratory)Structural Engineering ServicesSeptic Tank InspectionsSewer Lateral Inspections (video)Water or Air Quality AssessmentsNeighborhood Environmental HistoryGeotechnical or Soil Evaluations

What’s Typically Covered During a Home Inspection?

EXTERIOR ELEMENTS - Above grade walls, exposed foundation, trim, etc.GROUNDS - Landscaping, flatwork, site grading, stoops/decks/porches, etc.GARAGES/CARPORTS - Garage or carport structure, slabs, firewalls and doorsROOF - Roof coverings, chimneys, exposed flashings and guttering systemsKITCHEN - Counters, cabinets, sinks, ventilation and installed appliancesBATHROOMS - Sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers and ventilationINTERIOR ELEMENTS – Walls, ceilings, doors, floors, windows, stairwells, etc.PLUMBING - Main services, supply lines, waste lines and water heatersHEATING/COOLING – Fuel system, furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, etc.ELECTRICAL – Main services, panels, branch wiring, switches, outlets, etc.STRUCTURAL – Slab-on-grade, crawl spaces, foundations, basement floors, beams, columns, floor joists, attic structures, etc.

Timing & Delivery of Reports

Here’s what you can expect for the timing and delivery of an inspection report…

- Inspections typically last between 2 and 3 hours

- Some reports are delivered on-site, others are not *

- In today’s market, most reports are supplied through e-mail, web download or on a disc

* Be cautious of “checklist” style reports and reports which are delivered too quickly (on-site). You may not be getting the most for your money!

When is a Home Inspection Typically Performed?

For a traditional pre-purchase situation:

- AFTER THE REAL ESTATE CONTRACT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED- DURING THE ALOTTED INSPECTON PERIOD (usually 10 days)- BEFORE CLOSING ON THE HOUSE

Don’t wait too late to call an inspector! Schedules can fill up fast!

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)

- Oldest and most respected professional home inspector organization in the U.S.

- The most stringent standards and requirements in the industry

- More real estate professionals ask for and promote ASHI Certified Home Inspectors than any other organization

Go to www.ashi.org for more details on ASHI.

See a list of local ASHI inspectors at www.stlashi.org

Keep in mind…Price isn’t everything!

Your about to make perhaps the largest purchase decision in your life. It is highly recommended that you NOT choose your inspector based solely on pricing!

Check his references…Ask for a sample report… Check with the Better Business Bureau…Check his qualifications and associations (like ASHI)…Once this is completed, then choose the best value.

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So, do home buyers really need a Home Inspection?

That’s a fair question… But let’s consider the following real situations which we recently uncovered for our clients…

Looks like a nice house with a fairly modern electric panel…

Upon closer inspection, the panel has been scorched/melted and will need replacing

A new electric panel can cost well over $1000.00!

This is a cute house with a nice rear addition on the back…

…But the crawl space below the addition will need extensive repairs to

correct a major moisture problem!

The repair bill was over $7000.00!

Here’s a cute house with a fairly new roof…

Too bad it was installed improperly and is already damaged…

Roof pitch too low for shingles

Damage at front edge

This repair will likely exceed $1000.00!

Thank you for your time.

ANY QUESTIONS?