| Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, so you should be sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A home inspection is an evaluation of a home’s condition by a trained, licensed expert. We very strongly recommend that any potential purchaser purchase a home inspection; they are not that expensive (many times under $400) relative to the cost not only of the purchase, but can save the buyer a huge amount of time and money in correcting code violations, plumbing problems, etc.
Finding a home inspector. There are many excellent home inspectors: search for a member of the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA), a voluntary, nonprofit public-benefit organization of real estate inspectors and you will find many to choose from.
What the will inspector do?
- Evaluate the physical condition: the structure, construction and mechanical systems.
- Identify items that should be repaired or replaced.
- Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning), equipment, structure and finishes.
What is not the responsiblity of the inspector?
- Render an opinion on value. That is the job of the appraiser.
- Provide an opinion as to whether or not the buyer should proceed with the purchase.
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