Why a home inspection protects you:

The truth is, without a thorough home inspection performed by a qualified professional, neither the buyer nor the seller can really know what defects may exist in a home. We will evaluate all the major elements of the home, including heating, cooling, structure, electrical, plumbing – and more, so that you can make an informed home purchase decision.

Several reasons why inspections are a smart investment:

1. Find out what type of systems and components exist in your new home.
   
2. Determine the condition of the systems and major components of the home.
   
3. Understand how the systems and components of your new home function.
   
4. Learn how to maintain your new home to improve the enjoyment and value of your home.

Important tips when getting a home inspection

• Order a home inspection soon after your purchase offer has been accepted. Many of the real estate contracts allow a limited number of days to complete a home inspection (and then to request repairs, or cancel the contract if needed).
  
• If the home is vacant, confirm that the seller will have all utilities on during the home inspection. Failure to do so may require a second trip to the home when the utilities are on, and you will incur additional fees. To properly evaluate a home a professional inspector must be able to operate the systems, thus requiring the utilities to be on.
  
• Accompany the inspector during the home inspection. This is your opportunity to gain knowledge of major systems, appliances and fixtures, learn maintenance tips, better understand the items that will be outlined in the written report, and ask questions of the inspector.
  
• If your inspector recommends a further evaluation, please have a specialist in that area conduct a more extensive examination PRIOR to closing.
  Be sure you understand all conditions identified in the inspection report and reported defects/and or areas of concern have been resolved to your satisfaction before closing. You can Click here to print out a FREE Pre-Closing Checklist to use on your walk-through inspection.
  
• Insist on a final walk-through prior to close of escrow to verify that repairs have been made and that no new problems have surfaced since the home inspection, particularly in the areas where furnishings and storage may have previously obstructed the defect.