Buying a house may seem like an endless series of critical, important decisions. When you find the house that is right for you, you need to find a home inspector to educate you about the condition of your new home. This is a commonplace and a wise decision, even when buying a newly constructed home; the additional peace of mind that a professional home inspection offers is invaluable.

Find an Inspector That You Trust

Choosing an ASHI inspector means choosing someone you can trust to objectively and independently provide you with a comprehensive analysis of the home’s major systems and components—apart from anyone’s interests other than your own.

Trust Us When Buying a House—We Speak House

ASHI members know houses, ensuring that you can find a home inspector. They are trained to objectively communicate to you, the home inspection buyer, what the house has to say. ASHI membershave demonstrated technical proficiency and report-writing skills, and they have committed to continuing education in order to achieve and maintain their member status. ASHI members also know about service, so we’ll help you find an inspector. They’ve reviewed feedback from homebuyer surveys conducted by ASHI asking consumers what they want from a professional home inspector. So they know ASHI wants and cares about feedback from consumers on how our members are doing.

Members are committed to conducting inspections in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice; committed to abiding by the ASHI Code of Ethics and are dedicated to providing superior customer service. ASHI members deliver more than a home inspection, they deliver “The ASHI Experience”.

Homebuyers are not the only people who hire ASHI Inspectors. Homesellers also use ASHI inspections to gain knowledge of the condition of their home before placing it on the market. Smart homesellers know that knowledge about their home’s condition makes the selling process more palatable.

Homebuyers, homesellers, homeowners, or anyone who wants to make an informed decision about a house based on objective information deserves a professional ASHI home inspection.

Via American Society of Home Inspectors.

What’s all the fuss about home inspections? For starters, it’s the opening statement the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Housing Administration, (FHA) makes before any documents will be considered when purchasing a HUD home or considering financing with FHA. What does HUD say about obtaining a home inspection? Let’s quote.

Why a buyer needs a home inspection. A home inspection gives the buyer more detailed information about the overall condition of the home prior to purchase. In a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at your potential new home to:

• Evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanical systems;

• Identify items that need to be repaired or replaced; and

• Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes.

HUD continues on by telling us home inspections are not appraisals. Appraisals are for lenders, inspections are for buyers. Inspections evaluate, identify, and estimate. Appraisals estimate the market value of a house. Why would we want this information? So we can make an informed decision. The best surprise is no surprise, especially after we have closed on the sale and moved in.

What are some examples of structural issues we should inspect and consider? Obviously the foundation. Is it on a slab or on a crawl space with foundation walls? Is there settling or cracking? Are the floors properly supported or sagging with warped or rotten boards? Does the roof leak? What is the remaining life of the roofing shingles? Are there cracks in the walls or ceilings which appear excessive? Will the doors open and close without pushing and pulling? Are there broken windows? What about breaker panels and wiring; are there GFI outlets in the kitchen and bath. Are electrical outlets of the grounded type or not? It may make a difference if you need a grounded outlet for electrical components like stereo, computer and TV. Has the home been tested for termites? Is there active infestation? If so, repair the damage and kill the bugs.

Read the rest of this article at Dalton Daily Citizen. 

Coy Construction’s certified home inspector and forensic investigator, Frank, assesses property damaged by a massive root system that has caused damage to the stem wall, concrete slab and lower roof line of this condominium.

This mold gives a new meaning to “going green.”

Photo submitted by ASHI home inspector: Calvin Bolt, Calvin Bolt Inspections & Testing, Warsaw, Ind.

Rotting wood, termites and exposed rebar are just a few of the site and structure hazards we’ve found while out on inspection.

Follow this link to see even more site and structure hazards caught on camera via our website!