Page 12 - Working With Real Estate Agents for Buyers,Buyers information Packet

Questions and Answers on: What is a home inspection? Standards of Practice do not require Home
H O M E I N S P E C T I O N S It is an evaluation of the visible and Inspectors to report on: wood-destroying insects,
For most persons, purchasing a home is the accessible systems and components of a home environmental contamination, pools and spas,
largest investment they will ever make. It is no (plumbing system, roof, etc.) and is intended to detached structures and certain other items listed
wonder then that many homebuyers employ give the client (usually a homebuyer) a better in the Offer to Purchase and Contract form.
professionals to inspect the structural and understanding of their condition. It is also Always ask the Home Inspector if he covers all
mechanical systems of the home and report to important to know what a home inspection is the things which are important to you. If not, it is
them on their condition. Sometimes sellers also not! It is not an appraisal of the property’s your responsibility to arrange for an inspection
employ Home Inspectors to alert them to value; nor should you expect it to address the of these items by the appropriate professionals.
problems with their homes which could arise cost of repairs. It does not guarantee that the For a description of the services to be provided
later in the transaction. But normally Home home complies with local building codes by the Home Inspector (and their cost), you
Inspectors are employed by buyers. For this (which are subject to periodic change) or should read carefully the written contract which
reason, this brochure is written from the protect you in the event an item inspected fails Why should I have the home inspected? the Home Inspector must give you and which you
viewpoint of the potential homebuyer. in the future. [Note: Warranties can be must sign before the Home Inspection can be
This brochure is a joint publication of the purchased to cover many items.] Nor should it Most homebuyers lack the knowledge, skill performed.
North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure be considered a “technically exhaustive” and emotional detachment needed to inspect
Board and the North Carolina Real Estate evaluation, but rather an evaluation of the homes themselves. By using the services of a
Commission designed to give consumers a property on the day it is inspected, taking into licensed Home Inspector, they can gain a better
better understanding of the home inspection consideration normal wear and tear. understanding of the condition of the property,
process. What a home inspection is, who can especially whether any items do not “function as
perform an inspection and what to expect. If intended”or “adversely affect the habitability of
you have further questions regarding home the dwelling”or “warrant further investigation”
inspections and Home Inspectors, you should by a person who specializes in the item in
contact the North Carolina Home Inspector question.
Licensure Board, 322 Chapanoke Road, Suite
200, Raleigh, NC 27603 919/662-4480. In my home purchase I have chosen
to sign the standard Offer to Purchase and
Contract* form which many real estate
and legal professionals use. It states that I
have the right to have the home inspected How do I request a home inspection, and
and the right to request that the seller who will pay for it?
repair identified problems with the home. You can arrange for the home inspection or
Can anyone perform a home inspection? Will the home inspection identify all of ask your real estate agent to assist you. Unless
these problems? you otherwise agree, you will be responsible for
No. Only persons licensed by the North payment of the home inspection and any
Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board are *Jointly approved and copyrighted by the
permitted to perform home inspections for North Carolina Association of REALTORS® subsequent inspections. If the inspection is to be
performed after you have signed the purchase
compensation. To qualify for licensure, they and the North Carolina Bar Association. contract, be sure to schedule the inspection as
must satisfy certain education and experience Yes and No. Home Inspectors typically
requirements and pass a state licensing evaluate structural components (floors, walls, soon as possible to allow adequate time for any
repairs to be performed.
examination. Their inspections must be roofs, chimneys, foundations, etc.),
conducted in accordance with the Board’s mechanical systems (plumbing, electrical, Continued
Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. heating/air conditioning), installed appliances
and other major components of the property.
The Home Inspector Licensure Board’s