I always recommend that buyers have homes inspected prior to closing. Even newer homes may have problems. An inspection cannot offer a 100% guarantee that no problems exist, but it can help you "hedge your bets" and make you a better informed buyer. You can check the Better Business Bureau record of service providers by visiting the BBB site at: http://www.bbbwestflorida.org/
If you are financing your purchase, your lender will almost always require a
termite or wood destroying organism inspection (WDO) be done within 30 days of the closing date. These cost between $40 and $50 and are often done at the same time as the professional home inspection. Even if you are paying cash, I strongly recommend that you have a termite (wood destroying organism) inspection done. These types of inspectors can be found in the yellow pages under "pest control" or you can ask for recommendations from friends and family members. Prices can vary, so it does pay to shop around and ask questions, such as, "How much time will you spend doing your inspection?, What will you charge?, etc". You want someone who will carefully examine your home and help you avoid problems in the future.
A
professional inspection concerns the main systems of the home, for example the heating and cooling systems, the roof, the foundation, the plumbing, the electrical circuits, etc. It is usually not required by a lender, but is done at the request of the buyers. In the state of Florida anyone can be licensed to do home inspections. There is no state mandated training or testing for professional inspectors. As long as they have a business license, they can do inspections. That is why I recommend that you use a
Certified Home Inspector. These inspectors have been trained and certified by an independent organization. One of the best known of these is the
American Society of Home Inspectors or ASHI. If you click on the link below you will be taken to the ASHI site where you can learn more about its certification requirements and the benefits of using an ASHI inspector. You will also see a place where you can enter the zip code of the area where the home you are purchasing is located. A list of inspectors who service that area will appear. I suggest you call several and find out what their work entails, what they charge, what type of report they will give you, and what limitations their inspections will have (for example, they cannot rip up carpeting or pull down walls). Most inspectors will be happy to have you present while they are doing their work and will answer any questions you have concerning their findings. I recommend that you attend the inspection if you can.
American Society of Home Inspectors
http://www.ashi.org/customers/
Please be aware that I receive no compensation from any inspectors, so the choice of whom you use is completely yours. Do keep in mind that I cannot make any guarantees concerning their work since they are separate entities and have no official connection with our office. The information above is provided simply for your convenience. Choose someone that you feel comfortable with. You can check a service provider's record with the local Better Business Bureau's office by clicking on the following link: http://www.bbbwestflorida.org/ Once you have chosen your inspector I will arrange for him or her to have access to the property.
© John Elwell - July 2006