When to Get a Home Inspection

A Pre-Sale or Maintenance Inspection Adds Value to the Home and  Helps Identify Potential Issues

• An inspection before you sell your house can add value to the home and help to speed up the process and likelihood of an offer.
• Homeowners should schedule a maintenance inspection every three to five years to identify problems before they become costly repairs.

Whether you are planning to put your home on the market or are expecting to stay in it for several years, this may be the right time to hire a home inspector. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). The association reminds homeowners that a new home purchase is not the only time for a home inspection.   

Bill Richardson, ASHI president, said, “In a down market, a pre-sale inspection can make a home stand out. More and more, sellers are obtaining pre-sale inspections to help uncover and address any issues before the first prospective buyer walks through the door. This simple step can allow for better planning and lower expense in making repairs, add value to the home and help speed up the process and the likelihood of an offer.” 

In addition to pre-sale inspections, Richardson also emphasized the need to get a home inspection every three to five years to improve maintenance and avoid costly repairs. During a routine inspection, all the visible and readily accessible components and systems are checked. This includes everything from the foundation, roof and gutters, to a home's exterior and interior walls, electrical wiring and plumbing.  

“In this uncertain economic time, it is important to be able to plan ahead,” Richardson said. "People who leave their houses unchecked are taking a significant risk. In some cases, that could be 10, 15 or even more years during which time a minor, unnoticed repair could become a significant expense or be the culprit of major damage or safety issues. A basic maintenance home inspection can cost far less than an expensive repair. An ASHI home inspector can often spot potential problems before the damage happens."

In addition to maintenance inspections and pre-sale inspections, Richardson said there are several other circumstances for which a homeowner would greatly benefit from a home inspection. He challenges homeowners to ask themselves the following questions to determine whether a home inspection is needed:

• Was the home inspected when purchased? If not, an inspection is beneficial regardless of how long you've been in the home, even if it was new construction.
• Are you planning on doing major remodeling or renovation work?Whether it's a do-it-yourself project or a contractor is involved, now is a good time to determine whether there are any overlooked problem areas requiring attention.
• Have you recently undergone a major remodel or renovation? It never hurts to have an objective opinion about the work that has been done to ensure there are no remaining issues or needed repairs.
• Are you an older homeowner planning to remain in your home as you age? Elderly homeowners may have more difficulty addressing ongoing maintenance concerns or checking hard-to-reach areas. ASHI suggests hiring a professional home inspector to point out maintenance or safety issues and recommend when to hire outside help for specific problems.
• Are you a first-time homeowner that doesn't know the first thing about maintaining your home? Especially if a home inspection was not performed during the purchasing process, or if the buyer was not present, a professional home inspection can be a valuable educational experience for the new homeowner.
  
  
• Do you have small children or a baby on the way? New parents have special concerns about safety in the home and a home inspector can help point out problem areas that could cause harm to a growing family.
• Are you purchasing a home currently under construction? If so, you may want to consider scheduling a phased inspection to protect your interests. By engaging a home inspector early on, even in the site selection, homeowners can benefit from having an inspector assess the quality of construction as the building progresses.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
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Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.