AA-MSA Inspection Services has been providing home inspections in Connecticut for more than 40 years, checking out houses from top to bottom, inside and out, ensuring sure every nook and cranny is accounted for. And for virtually that entire 40-year period, we’ve been asked the same set of questions about home inspections and what to expect. Here are some of our clients’ most frequently asked questions.
Q: When do I need to have a Home Inspection?
A: Home inspections are often performed after you’ve placed an offer on a home and it’s been accepted, as well as during the 7-10 day inspection period. While a home inspection is not legally necessary, your lender may require one. A pre-market examination is also recommended for homeowners selling their house. We recommend it because it can help you sell your house faster and for more money by fixing concerns that can increase the value and appeal of your home. Our inspectors will uncover concerns that need to be rectified before the buyer’s inspector does with a pre-market inspection.
Q: What is a Home Inspection?
A: From the roof to the foundation, a home inspection is an objective visual study of the physical structure and systems of a property. A single-family home inspection takes on average 2-4 hours to perform, though this varies greatly depending on the size and condition of the home. Following the inspection, the inspector will email the customer an inspection report (usually within 24-48 hours) detailing their findings, including photos, analysis, and recommendations.
Q: What does a home inspection include
A: The condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing system, electrical system, roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors; and the foundation, basement, and structural components will all be covered in a standard home inspector’s report. There may be some exclusions, so keep that in mind. The inspector will explain the situation and note that they were unable to assess that specific location or system due to inaccessibility (locked door, tenant’s things in the way) or unsafe conditions (very steep roofs, poor structural integrity).
Q: Why do homebuyers need a home inspection?
A: Purchasing a home may be the single largest investment a person will ever make. Homebuyers should try to discover as much as they can about the house before they buy it to avoid unpleasant surprises and unanticipated challenges. A house inspection may reveal the need for substantial repairs or builder oversights, as well as the requirement for ongoing upkeep to keep the property in excellent working order. Homebuyers will gain a greater understanding of their potential home through the home inspection process, allowing them to make informed selections. A home inspection might provide an opportunity for a homeowner seeking to sell their home to make changes that will improve the house’s selling condition.
Q: Do the home buyers have to be there?
A: The homebuyer is not required to be present for the inspection. However, ASHI suggests that the homebuyer attend in order to get the most out of their inspection. This allows homebuyers to see and question the inspector throughout the inspection process. Many homebuyers find that speaking with their inspectors helps them understand the home’s condition and how to preserve it
Q: Can a house fail a home inspection?
A: A professional home inspection is a thorough investigation and impartial evaluation of a home’s current condition. A home inspector will not grade a home, but will explain its physical condition and point out any components or systems that may require considerable repair or replacement. A home inspection isn’t the same as an appraisal, and it won’t tell you how much your house is worth. It’s also not a municipal inspection, and it doesn’t check for conformity with local codes.
Q: What if the inspection reports reveals problems?
A: It’s crucial to remember that no home is flawless. Every house inspection will reveal property flaws, and the inspector will describe the seriousness of the issues discovered. The purpose of a home inspector is to provide their clients with a better understanding of their potential house so that they can make informed decisions as they move forward with the home purchase process. Any issues, hazards, or health concerns that may influence the client’s decision should be clearly disclosed to the client. The goal of the inspector is to assist clients in understanding the whole cost of ownership, not to advise them whether or not they should buy the house. If severe issues are discovered, purchasers may want to negotiate with the seller to get them repaired or covered.