For Your Protection, Get a Home Inspection

When buying a home, you need an impartial look at the property.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Selecting a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in a lifetime, so it is important to find out that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A qualified home inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy.

Selecting a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in a lifetime, so it is important to find out that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A qualified home inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy.

The inspector will:

• Evaluate the home's physical condition — the structure, construction, and mechanical systems.
• Identify items that should be repaired or replaced.
• Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, structure, and finishes).

Here are ten questions — prepared by Homes & Communities in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — to ask a home inspector:

1. What does your inspection cover?

The inspector should ensure that the inspection and inspection report will meet any applicable requirements in your state and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them up-front.

2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?

The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.

3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?

Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the special skills of home inspection.

4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?

Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest.

5. How long will the inspection take?

The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single-family house; anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection. Additional inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and buildings.

6. How much will it cost?

Costs vary significantly, depending on the region, size and age of the house, scope of services and other factors. A typical range is $300-$500, but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. (The Department of Housing and Urban Development does not regulate home inspection fees.)

7. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?

Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.

8. Will I be able to attend the inspection?

This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.

9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?

There are many state and national associations for home inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate.

10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your skill-level up to date?

One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases where the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.

For more information on innovative home financing solutions for NEA members and their families, call the NEA Home Financing Program at 1-800-NEA-4-YOU (1-800-632-4968) to speak to one of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage's experienced home mortgage consultants. They are available from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight, and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). If you prefer, you can stop by your local Wells Fargo branch, or visit us online at www.neamb.com. Deaf/hard of hearing individuals may call 1-800-842-3548 TTY. Spanish-speaking individuals may call 1-800-544-3482.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. originates mortgage loans in New Hampshire under License No. 5757 MB for first mortgages and License 5768 MHL for second mortgages and is a New Jersey Department of Banking Licensed Mortgage Banker. Equal Housing Lender.