The Home Inspector Works for You

Why get a home inspection?
First, the home inspector works for the buyer and looks out for the buyer. During the inspection, the inspector will point out current and potential problems with the home. Then the buyer can discuss the extent of the problems and what will be necessary to fix them with the inspector. This unbiased knowledge allows the buyer to make well informed decisions about the purchase of the house. The buyer can choose to have the seller fix the problems, reduce the price of the house, fix the house, or decide to walk away from the home. Whatever the decision the buyer makes, it will be based on accurate information.

Second, the home inspector is trained to spot things that the average person may not notice. For example, the average buyer would not know how to spot potential flooding hazards. Yet, a home inspection includes grading of the lot. Buyers may not know how to spot fire damage but a home inspector looks closely at the wires to see if they have been replaced. Many people don't know if they should have copper, bronze or brass plumbing. The inspector can tell the buyer what type the house has and what to expect from it.

Isn't an appraisal enough?
Basically, the answer is no. Home appraisals and home inspections are completely different. A home appraisal gives the expected market value of the house. This is used by the lending company to make sure the mortgage is not more than the value of the house. A home inspection provides a detailed report on the condition of the home.

What to look for in a home inspector
A high quality home inspection will provide you a qualified professional certified in to do it properly. Although pest certification for inspectors is required in Washington State, certification is not required in many states. However, the more reputable companies have voluntary certification. Home inspector associations like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors offer certification for companies that follow strict yearly training. Companies with these certifications can provide you with a licensing number that you can check against the providing association's website.

A really good company will also offer a guarantee on their service. If you live in Washington State, Westharbour Quality Inspections offers a free 90-day warranty. Getting a warranty is very important as it backs up the home inspection. Companies that offer guarantees and warranties on their work show they are both professional and confident in the quality of their services.