8 Home Inspection Myths

8 Home Inspections Myths

A lot is said about home inspections but like everything else, what is often discussed isn't always true. What starts off as a myth eventually for some people turns into the truth. In this article we will touch base on 8 common myths floadting around in the home inspection industry. This will not only make you aware of the value of a home inspection, but save you money in the long run by educating you on the importance of hiring the right home inspector.

HOME INSPECTIONS ARE NOT IMPORTANT FOR NEW HOMES

It is easy to think... The home is new and the local building department just inpected it, why do I need to hire a home inspector? There is a simple answer. Building inspectors are not home inspectors and vice versa. Additionally some building officials are VERY busy leaving room for error. Hiring a home inspector, having a second set of fresh eyes on the home will reassure you things were not missed.

HOME INSPECTIONS ARE ONLY BENEFICIAL TO BUYERS

Home Inspections are beneficial for everyone. If you are purchasing a home a home inspection is essential. If you are a home owner a home inspection will make you aware of issues developing throughout the home. A seller listing his home on the market can add the inspection report to there sales pitch and catch issues that the buyers home inspector will eventually discover. Taking care of some of the minor defects discovered during a pre listing inspection may be easily resolved.

YOU DON'T NEED TO BE PRESENT FOR THE HOME INSPECTION

Technically you don't have to be present during a home inspection. But it is very important to have a full understanding of the possible defects you will inherit with the new home. Why not walk around with the home inspector and gain some additional insight on your new home? Most home inspectors enjoy explaining the issues at hand with the buyers during the home inspection.

HOME INSPECTORS ARE ONLY LOOKING TO FIND FAULTS AND DEFECTS

Home inspectors are not just looking for defects that are present at the property. Home Inspectors are also looking for possible safety issues that may be present. The discharge from the gas fire appliance being to close to a window or a missing railing are to name a couple.

ALL HOME INSPECTORS ARE THE SAME

Just like in every other trade there are different levels of experience, knowledge and professionalism. How should you find a qualified and reputable home inspector? Go to google and search your “Town, state home inspector” If you are from the Albany area you are going to search “Albany NY home inspectors”. Google is a great website to read home inspectors reviews.

A HOME INSPECTOR WILL PERFORM THE REPAIRS NEEDED

This is not the case. Your home inspector will identify the problems not fix them. It is the job of the home inspector to observe and report. Although a lot of home inspectors come from a construction background it is ethically not the best thing for the home inspector to make the repairs spotted during the home inspection.

A HOME INSPECTION IS SIMILAR TO A BANK APPRAISAL

They are totally different. An appraisal is done to determine the market value of your home. Usually the banks perform appraisals prior to financing the purchase. A home inspection does not determine your homes market value but identifies problematic, defects and safety issues prior to purchasing.

THE HOME INSPECTOR WILL CAPTURE EVERYTHING DURING THE HOME INSPECTION

Unfortunately this is not the case. All home inspections are “non invasive” inspections. Meaning sometimes there are defects hidden behind the walls that cannot be seen. The home inspector should look for clues to try and figure out if there is any hidden issues. A great example of this is if during the home inspection there is a mold like substance present on a section of the finished basement walls. It is most likely water is penetrating through the foundation walls from the exterior. On the surface there is mold like substance but the bigger issue may be water penetrating the foundation due to the fact there are no gutters.

Thank you for reading my blogs.

The Author Adam Clark is the owner and operator of Shield Guard Home Inspections. Adam Clark is a local Home Inspector located in Albany NY that has performed over 6000 Inspections.

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