Reason for Home Inspection

The simple answer is value.

For a relatively small fee, a home inspection client has insight, as to the conditions of a home. A home inspection can serve many purposes but also has different meaning for different clients.

1.  The buyer. Home inspection is most often performed for those persons who wish to purchase a home. The home buyer wants reassurance that the home they wish to purchase is not going to present any unexpected high repair costs, soon after they move in. When a home inspection is done for the potential homebuyer any deficiencies of the condition of the home can be used as a further negotiating tool to have the deficiencies repaired by the seller or possibly additional discount on the selling price or the buyer can accept the deficiencies. In any case, the buyer has a better understanding of what he is purchasing.
2. The seller. Home inspections are also performed for the people who wish to sell their home. This is a smart, proactive approach to selling in a today’s very competitive real-estate market. The seller wants to know upfront what needs repair or attention and can address these issues before a potential buyer finds the deficiencies. In which case the seller may lose the buyer or he may have to renegotiate the selling price or have to make the repairs anyway.  
3. Insurance companies sometimes request a home inspection before they insure a home. This is often done when a homeowner changes his carrier or when a home has had a claim and the repair work was complete.
4. Mortgage companies  may request an inspection if a buyer did not request an inspection or if the mortgage company is refinancing for a larger loan on the same home.
5. Commercial investors will have inspections done. Investors sometimes purchase homes on speculation, site unseen. They just don’t have the time to see every property. However, they do rely on professionals, such as home inspectors to site deficiencies in the home.
6. Home maintenance, repair and improvement.  In today’s changing economic environment a movement to conserver energy and think green has homeowners seeking ways to keep their investment solid. A good maintenance plan is on top of the list. A well laid out maintenance plan starts with a thorough inspection consultation.  Homeowners considering  general repair or improvement investment have also become interested in inspection consulting. The inspection will help ascertain what additional repairs the home may need, which may be addressed during the repair and improvement work. In addition, when improvements are being considered, alternate energy options are being explored.

The common link between these clients is that they all are seeking some type of reassurance that investment in the home is sound and that it will stay sound. Home inspections can be limited.  Inspectors do not have x-ray vision and therefore cannot see behind walls or inaccessible locations.

A New Jersey licensed home inspector has numerous requirements and a vast list of limitations set by the state and accepted standards of business practice. As a consultant, my work can take a much broader view and has considerably less limitations.