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Who’s afraid of the home inspector?

PATRICK WATHEN AND JONI ELLIS

When we go to someone’s house for dinner, I remind Pat to keep his tools in the truck. No opening up our friend’s electrical box or slipping out after dessert to inspect the attic. Lowering into crawlspaces is second nature to a home inspector, but other than quirky after-dinner behavior there is no need to be afraid of the home inspector.

Home inspectors simply note everything they see. It is our job to be your eyes, inspect everything in a home from the major items ” heating, plumbing, electrical, foundation, roof, moisture penetration ” to smaller easier fixed items like a garbage disposal malfunctioning, a leaky faucet, or cracked toilet tank. No home will be flawless including new construction.

A home inspector’s purpose is to provide you with an unbiased evaluation of the property you are purchasing. The inspection report is a visual examination of the physical structure and operating systems in the home. This takes place in two forms ” written and verbal. If you can attend the inspection, your inspector will walk you through the property and the report. In addition to reviewing the inspection findings, this is a good time to learn about maintenance and upkeep of the home’s operating systems.



If you are unable to attend the inspection, don’t worry. In a resort community like Summit County, this is not uncommon. The best scenario is to plan a time for a verbal consultation after reviewing your electronic inspection report. Speaking directly to the inspector will help put the report findings into perspective.

So now you have the inspection report, what do you do? Once you’ve talked it over with the inspector, talk to your real estate professional. In addition to providing knowledge of the home, the inspection findings may be used as negotiation. Your realtor knows what you can expect from the seller. Asking for minor items to be corrected may not be realistic, but asking for the heating system to be serviceable is probably in order.



Just as you would hire a mechanic to inspect a car that you are purchasing, hire a home inspector to inspect the home you are purchasing. Remember the cliche ” better be safe than sorry. Get an inspection. Even in small condos we find issues that if not found can cost you money in the future.

When you’ve found the perfect property, the home inspection will give you peace of mind about your decision to purchase. Once identified, most issues in an inspection are easily resolved. Awareness and communication are key. If you are selling your home, a pre-listing inspection will tell your buyers that you are honest and ready to fully disclose everything about your home. Whether you are buyer, seller, or realtor, remember don’t be afraid of the home inspector.

Patrick Wathen and Joni Ellis are the owners of Independent Property Inspections, Inc., a member in good standing of NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors). Article content may be from a variety of industry sources. For more information about home inspections call (970) 468-9400 or visit: http://www.mtninspector.com


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