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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.
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.
How do I find a home 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.
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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