… for home inspections in
Memphis, Tennessee and North Mississippi
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the
physical structure and systems of a home, from roof to foundation.
A home inspection report or home inspection service is the
equivalent of a physical examination from your doctor. When
problems or symptoms of problems are found, the inspector
may recommend further evaluation or remedies, making the home
inspection cost well worth it. Click
here for a virtual home inspection.
What does a home inspection include?
A standard home inspection report summarizes findings from
a visual inspection of the condition of the subject home's
heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature
permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; roof,
attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows
and doors; foundation, basement, and the visible structures
of the home.
Why do I need a home inspection?
As a buyer, you need to know and understand your investment.
A home inspection summarizes the condition of a property,
points out the need for major repairs and identifies areas
that may need attention in the near future. Buyers and sellers
depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their knowledge
of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before
executing an agreement for sale or purchase.
What will it cost?
Inspection fees for a typical single family home vary by size
and features of the property, and age of the home.
Do not let the cost deter you from having a home inspection
or selecting an inspector you are comfortable with - knowledge
gained from an inspection is well worth the time and expense.
The lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain.
The inspector's qualifications, including experience, training,
and professional affiliations, should be the most important
consideration in your selection.
Can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and
expertise of a professional home inspector. A professional
home inspector has the experience, depth of knowledge and
training to make an unbiased and informed report of the condition
of a property. An inspector is familiar with the many elements
of home construction, their proper installation and maintenance.
An inspector understands how the home's systems and components
are intended to function together, as well as how and why
they fail and knows what to look for and is uniquely suited
to interpret what their findings reveal about the condition
of the property.
Most buyers find it difficult to remain objective and unemotional
about the house they really want, and this may affect their
judgment. For the most accurate information about the condition
of a home, always obtain an impartial third-party opinion
by an expert in the field of home inspection.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the
current condition of a home. It is not an appraisal, which
determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which
verifies compliance to local codes and standards. A home inspector
will not pass or fail a house. A home inspection describes
the physical condition of a property and indicates what may
need repair or replacement.
What is the American Society of Home Inspectors®?
The American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI) is the
oldest and most widely recognized non-profit professional
association for independent home inspectors. ASHI's "Standards
of Practice" serve as the home inspector's performance
guideline, and are universally recognized and accepted by
professional and government authorities. Copies of the Standards
are available free from ASHI.
ASHI's professional Code of Ethics prohibits members from
engaging in conflict of interest activities, which may compromise
their objectivity. This is the assurance to the consumer that
the inspector will not, for example, use the inspection to
solicit or refer repair work.
ASHI sponsors continuing education, technical seminars and
workshops and serves the public interest by providing accurate
and helpful consumer information to home buyers on home purchasing
and home maintenance.
Who belongs to ASHI?
Members of ASHI are independent professional home inspectors
who have met the most rigorous technical and experience requirements
in the industry. Prospective ASHI members must pass two written
technical examinations, must have performed a minimum of 250
professional fee-paid home inspections, and must maintain
their candidate status for no less than six months. ASHI members
are required to follow the Society's Code of Ethics, and to
obtain continuing education credits in order to keep current
with the latest in building technology, materials, and professional
skills.
When do I call Home Analyzers?
Before you sign the contract or purchase agreement,
make your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings
of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify
the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
Contact Home Analyzers immediately after the contract or purchase
agreement has been signed. At Home Analyzers we are aware
of the time constraints involved in purchase agreements and
we are available to conduct the required inspection within
a few days.
Do I have to be there?
While it is not necessary for you to be present,
it is always recommended that you make time to join Home Analyzers
for their visit. This allows you to observe the inspector,
ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home,
how its systems work, and how to maintain them. After you
have seen the property with the inspector, you will find the
written report easier to understand.
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. When the inspector identifies
problems, it does not indicate you should not buy the house.
His findings serve to educate you in advance of the purchase
about the condition of the property. A seller may adjust the
purchase price or contract terms if major problems are discovered
during an inspection. If your budget is tight, or if you do
not want to be involved in future repair work, this information
will be extremely valuable.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I
really need an inspection?
Yes. Now you can complete your home purchase with
confidence about the condition of the property and all its
equipment and systems. From the inspection, you will have
learned many things about your new home, and will want to
keep that information for future reference.
How long will the Inspection take?
Most inspections take anywhere from two to three
hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age and
condition of the home.
Why use Home Analyzers?
Memphis-based Home Analyzers ensure a comprehensive,
fair, independent and objective evaluation. The process provides
an invaluable learning and discovery experience. Since the
purchase of a home is one of the single most costly investments
that you will make, it is also important to know what YOU
are getting for your money.
Does a newly constructed home need an Inspection?
Yes. A professional inspection of a new home is
important. During our inspection, potential problems can be
spotted early while they are still easy to correct.
When do I receive the report?
If you attend the inspection you will receive a
verbal summary at the conclusion of the inspection. Within
24 hours a written summary will be available for downloading
from our website in .pdf format. Of course we can also provide
hard copies as requested.
Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection?
No. The code of ethics of The American Society of
Home Inspectors (ASHI) prohibits its members from performing
any repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that
there will never be any conflict of interest. Our sole purpose
is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on
the present condition of your future home.
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