With strict government regulations and a cautious public, the market for building inspections is fairly large. However, since there are such a demand, there are many illegitimate or semi-legitimate building inspectors out peddling sub-par inspections. Consequently, when hiring a building inspector, a home owner or a would-be home buyer ought to understand what to expect from a professional building inspection.
First off, a legitimate building inspector will carry proof of licensure, and, often, he or she will display it in advertising and on any associated paperwork. The idea is, a licensed inspector will want every one of his clients or potential clients to know he is the real deal and that they can trust him. Be wary of an inspector who is not eager to show proof of licensure.
A building inspection should include, but is not limited to, the masonry or brickwork, the foundational components of the structure, the electrical system and the wiring, the plumbing system and the piping, the floors, the baseboards, the doors, the windows, the heating system and the air ducts, as well as the exterior of the structure and the landscape. It is important to keep in mind that a building inspection will not include tests for water quality, radon contamination, or pests such as termites. While an inspector might note a mold build-up, he is not necessarily concerned with the toxicity of the mold but rather, its impact on the structural integrity of the building.
A building inspection should not be a walk through of the house. A building inspector should carefully examine all the systems and components that will contribute to the living conditions within the space. The inspection should result in a post inspection report that will describe the condition of all the components covered by the inspection. It is important to decide and discuss with the inspector what will be examined before the inspection takes place just to be sure nothing significant is overlooked.
Be cautious of any real estate owner or home seller who recommends a building inspector, as local building inspectors are often familiar with local real estate agents and one never knows when they may have an arrangement to your disadvantage. Although there are rules, guidelines and even laws about what a building inspector can accept as compensation, there is not always a high level of ethics in the industry. One common illegitimate practice is to have the payment of the inspector dependant upon a successful real estate transaction. This is dangerous to the buyer as it is in the inspectors interest for the structure to have a clean post inspection report. If you are serious about buying a building, invest in a completely impartial inspection regardless of the result.
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