Why you need HouseMaster
A home inspection protects all parties
The truth is, without a thorough home inspection performed by a qualified professional, neither the buyer nor the seller can really know what defects may exist in a home.
HouseMaster has more experience with home inspections and buying than any other franchise company. As part of your home inspection, your local HouseMaster professional will evaluate all the major elements of the home, including heating, cooling, structure, electrical, plumbing - and more, so that you can make an informed home purchase decision.
Why a home inspection is a smart investment
Whether this is your first time buying a home or you have
bought and sold many homes, HouseMaster recommends you obtain
a professional home inspection to take advantage of these benefits:
- Find out what type of systems and components exist in your new home.
- Determine the condition of the systems and major components of the home.
- Understand how the systems and structural components of your new home function.
- Learn how to maintain your new home to improve the enjoyment and value of your home.
Important tips when arranging a home inspection
1. When buying a home, you will want to order a home inspection soon after your purchase offer has been accepted.
Many of the real estate contracts allow a limited number of days to complete a home inspection (and then to request repairs, or cancel the contract if needed).
2. Inspect the inspector.
There is no one background that fully trains an individual for all the different conditions that may exist in a home. And even in areas where licensing exists, many programs fall short. Regardless of their technical background or licensing, all home inspectors should be formally trained/certified to perform a home inspection by an organization such as the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI®)*, thus insuring their knowledge of the home inspection and home buying process. Choose a home inspector who has earned credentials for competence and professionalism. Make sure the inspector you select has access to on-going technical support and offers you post-inspection advice if needed.
3. If the home is vacant, confirm that the seller will have all utilities on during the home inspection.
Failure to do so may require a second trip to the home when the utilities are on, and you will incur additional fees. To properly evaluate a home a professional inspector must be able to operate the systems, thus requiring the utilities to be on.
4. Accompany the inspector during the home inspection.
This is your opportunity to gain knowledge of major systems, appliances and fixtures, learn maintenance tips, better understand the items that will be outlined in the written report, and ask questions of the inspector.
5. If your inspector recommends a further evaluation, please have a specialist in that area conduct a more extensive examination PRIOR to closing.
6. Be sure you understand all conditions identified in the inspection report and reported defects/and or areas of concern have been resolved to your satisfaction before closing.
You can click here to view/print a FREE Pre-Closing Checklist
7. Insist on a final walk-through
Prior to close of escrow, insist on a final walk-through to verify that repairs have been made and that no new problems have surfaced since the home inspection, particularly in the areas where furnishings and storage may have previously obstructed the defect.
What is involved in a "Pre-purchase Home Inspection"
A home inspector conducts a visual examination of the home you
are planning to buy. He or she will examine all the major
elements of the home, such as the roof, structure, exterior
siding, interior electrical, interior plumbing, heating and air
conditioning. A thorough inspection usually takes 2 to 3 hours,
depending on home size and age. Normally, the home inspection
is paid for by the buyer, although more and more sellers are
retaining the services of a professional home inspector before
sale negotiations begin.
Each HouseMaster home inspection is backed in writing by the HouseMaster Limited Written Guarantee, where permitted by law. This ensures our customers that they are getting the most qualified, concerned and professional home inspection service available. Contact your local office for exact terms and conditions. Terms and Condition may vary from office to office. Not available at all locations.
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Many HouseMaster offices can also arrange for ancillary services such as pool inspections, radon screening, termite inspections, water analyses, lead-based paint testing or septic/well system evaluations. Take advantage of this so you can further minimize finding post-sale problems or hazards in your new home.
*HouseMaster began NIBI in 1987 in an effort to standardize training and testing for HouseMaster inspectors. Today NIBI training and on-going support is open to all home inspectors via classroom or on-line training.
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