Frequently Asked Questions about Home Inspection

What is a Certified Residential Inspector?

InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) is the organization that trains and designates Certified Professional Inspectors. A certified inspector must take many steps in the process, including:

• Pass an inspector examination
• Complete courses in: Code of Ethics, Residential Standards of Practice
• Complete four mock inspection reports for a committee review
• Sign an affidavit

Then, 12 courses are required during the first year as an inspector that focus on specific inspection areas. 24 hours per year continuing education is also a requirement.

Why do I need a home inspection if I’m buying the property ‘as-is’?

A Certified Professional Inspector helps you know what you’re getting into when you purchase a house. ‘As-is’ means that the seller is not willing to do repairs. But inspection findings by a professional may reveal issues with the house that you don’t want. After the inspection, you may want to re-negotiate your contract.

Why should I have a pre-listing inspection?

A pre-listing inspection reveals all of the things about a house that need repair. Sellers who choose to make repairs before putting a house on the market put their house in a better position to receive a higher offer. The pre-inspection also helps reduce liability by alerting sellers to issues that require attention on the Seller’s Disclosure.

Why does a newly constructed house need an inspection?

Your new home is a significant investment, and an inspection verifies that everything is correct and in working order. If not, you can ask the builder to make adjustments or repairs.

What is an 11^th Month Warranty Inspection?

Builders of new homes typically guarantee much of their work for a year after the sale. Because some issues don’t show up until after a home is occupied, the 11^th Month inspection is an opportunity to check things about the house before the warranty expires. You may save yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs by holding the builder accountable for the work that he or she guaranteed for a year. And not all issues are obvious. Structural or drainage issues are not things that most people look for or know how to identify.

Does the buyer need to be present during the inspection?

Buyers and agents are not required to attend the inspection. However, the inspection is an excellent time to learn all about your new house and ask questions of the inspector. The inspector can provide information based on his or her experience that is helpful for requesting repairs or for living in the house.

Can I re-negotiate a purchase price after the inspection?

You will need to talk with your realtor, but yes, if the findings in an inspection are extensive, a buyer may re-negotiate the price.

Do I need an inspection for my home remodel?

Yes, depending on the scope of the project. Before you make final payment, having a ‘construction defects inspection’ is a good idea to make sure that all of the work is correct to code. The things that you don’t see, such as electrical, may be pose a health and safety risk if not exactly right.

What is a roof certification?

Roof certification is different from an inspection. The outcome of certification is a document that states the condition of the roof based on current status or status after repairs are complete. The document also estimates the remaining life of the roof. Roof certification is helpful for home sellers to validate the roof and justify a higher price. It’s helpful for buyers to understand what’s ahead for the house they are purchasing.