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Question:
Do I need a home
inspection?
Answer:
Yes.Buying a home "as
is" is a risky proposition. Major repairs on homes can
amount to thousands of dollars. Plumbing, electrical and
roof problems represent significant and complex systems that
are expensive to fix.
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Question:
How do I find a home
inspector?
Answer:
Your realty agent is one
source.But keeping them independent from the agent may be a
good idea. Inspectors are listed in the yellow pages. You
can ask for referrals from friends. Ask for their
credentials, such as contractor's license or engineering
certificate. Also, check out their references.
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Question:
How do I find a choose
inspector?
Answer:
In order to find a home
inspector, Dian Hymer, author of "Buying and Selling a
Home A Complete Guide," Chronicle Books, San Francisco;
1994, advises looking for someone with demonstrable
qualifications. "Ideally, the general inspector you
select should be either an engineer, an architect, or a
contractor. When possible, hire an inspector who belongs to
one of the home inspection trade organizations."
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has developed
formal inspection guidelines and a professional code of
ethics for its members. Membership to ASHI is not automatic;
proven field experience and technical knowledge of
structures and their various systems and appliances are a
prerequisite.
One can usually find an inspector by looking in the phone
book or by inquiring at a real estate office or sometimes at
an area Realtor association.
Rates for the service vary greatly. Many inspectors charge
about $400, but costs go up with the scope of the
inspection.
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Question:
What's a home
inspection?
Answer:
A home inspection is when
a paid professional inspector -- often a contractor or an
engineer -- inspects the home, searching for defects or
other problems that might plague the owner later on.They
usually represent the buyer and or paid by the buyer. The
inspection usually takes place after a purchase contract
between buyer and seller has been signed.
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