Home Inspections by Steve Irvine

Home Inspections

By Steve Irvine Home Sweet Home

Inspections

Your child buys a $15K car on extended payments, almost maxing out their budget. They didn’t bother having a mechanic look at it. You’re probably not too happy. Now you go buy a house, the biggest purchase in your life, and you decide you don’t need a home inspection?

You have only seen the home for a short period of time and have been concentrating on the layout and feel of the home. It’s impossible to properly assess the overall condition of the home in this manner. If you have built homes, or have extensive knowledge, take the time to inspect the house. But remember, if you miss something, it’s yours.

A better idea is to have a professional inspector look at the it. You will probably pay between $300 - $500 and if the inspector misses something big, they get to pay for it. If they find something, you may renegotiate or at least know what you’re walking into. Knowledge is never a bad thing. This is why you need a good inspector.

There are 2 important questions for your inspector. What are their qualifications and do they carry insurance. I have a Civil Engineering Degree with 10 years of structural design, and that makes me qualified. I carry insurance because I don’t want to pay for your house. Yes, home inspectors have liability. If I miss something, I can be made to pay for it. A smart inspector will point out everything visible and tell you which ones are major, minor or concerns for the future. Don’t be afraid to ask the difference. I consider anything over $500 to be important. Yes, I’m going to find things - I’ve been inspecting for 18 years. That perfect house doesn’t exist. There’s always something. I tell my clients “Don’t sweat the small stuff. We’re here for the biggies”.

Attend the inspection. It gives you the opportunity to visually see, and have explained to you, what is identified in your report. A detailed visual inspection will focus on the roof, exterior, structure, electrical, heating, air conditioning, insulation, plumbing and interior. It takes 2-1/2 to 4 hours, depending on the age and square footage of the house.

A home inspection will leave you feeling much more familiar, and appreciative, of your home long after you take possession.