Learn Why Home Inspections Are Important
A home inspection can be one of the most cost effective things you could do during the home buying process. Home inspectors are highly qualified and can identify items ranging from mold, lead paint, electrical and other safety issues, drainage problems, structural problems and many more home defects that could substantially affect not only the resale value of your home but most importantly your safety.
When Do I Need To Hire a Home Inspector?
Once you have chosen a home to purchase, a REALTOR will guide you through the purchase offer contract. Once your purchase offer has been accepted by the home seller, you will then proceed to hire a home inspector. Never hire a home inspector BEFORE you have a binding contract on the property.
Do I Have To Hire a Home Inspector?
No. There are no laws that require you to hire a home inspector. Hiring a home inspector is purely a personal decision made by the buyer. It is highly recommended to have any home you purchase inspected by a certified home inspector. It is the buyers responsibility to fully inspect the property prior to purchase to find any hidden defects not known by the seller or the seller's REALTOR. Even new construction can have hidden defects. It is extremely important for your safety to have an expert inspect your home. Many resale homes are not up to code on all safety items and a certified home inspector will be able to identify all of those issues so you can have them resolved either by the seller or yourself.
How Much Does It Cost?
A home inspection can range in price from the $350-$450 for a standard inspection. If you wish to have structural inspections, mold, lead paint, etc tested the prices will be different. Contact a certified home inspector for exact pricing. I recommend talking to at least 3 different home inspection companies to get more information about pricing and what they will be doing as part of their inspection.
FAQ's About Home Inspectors
This information was taken directly from the WV Association of Home Inspectors, for more information, go to www.wvahi.org.
How do I choose a home inspector?
Don't assume that a background in construction trades, engineering, code officers, or other building fields are substitutes for education and training as a home inspector.
You should ask: "Are you Certified by the WV State Fire Marshall?" Ask for their certification number, and request to see their WV Certification Card. Is it current?
Other questions to ask…
Are they a member of any Professional Home Inspection organizations?
Ask where they attained education/training.
Ask the Inspector to provide a copy of their General Liability Insurance.
How many inspections have they performed?
How long have they been a PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTOR?
Request a sample of the home inspection report prior to the Home Inspection.
Request & check references.
Ascertain the inspector's knowledge of the area.
Ensure that the utilities are turned on.
How much time will the inspection take?
Attend the Home Inspection.
Ask the inspector, if there is time allowed to discuss the report after the inspection.
IF AN INSPECTOR OFFERS TO REPAIR ANY PROBLEMS THAT ARE DISCOVERED, IT IS A DIRECT VIOLATION OF THE WV HOME INSPECTION REGULATIONS.
CLICK HERE to find a certified home inspector in WV
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