Ten tips

By LAURA T. COFFEY

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 15, 2001

Get a thorough inspection before you buy a home

When you buy a home, you might be making the most important purchase of your lifetime. Before you take the plunge, seek out a comprehensive, professional home inspection so you can learn as much as possible about the property's physical condition.

1. Time it right. Line up an inspection right after you make an offer. Your real estate contract should state that your purchase is contingent upon inspection results.

2. Know what to expect. The inspection should include a visual examination of general structure; central cooling; central heating; plumbing; bathroom; laundry; electrical; common safety devices; kitchen and appliances; general interior; attic; insulation; ventilation; roof; exterior; grounds; and parking.

3. Pay for a professional job. It can cost $190 to $500 to inspect a 2,000-square-foot home. That may sting, but it's money well spent. Most inspectors charge additional fees for radon testing, termite inspections and well and septic inspections.

4. Hire a good inspector. Talk to at least three inspectors, and inquire about their professional training, years of experience and membership in any professional associations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors, the Home Inspection Institute of America, the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers or the National Association of Home Inspectors.

5. Ethics matter. The inspector you hire should pledge to avoid conflicts of interest, such as any involvement in your real estate transaction.

6. Inquire about warranties. For an extra fee, some inspectors may provide a warranty on their work. Most inspectors also carry insurance. Nevertheless, they are not obligated to guarantee the home components they inspect.

7. Ask how long it will take. A careful inspection should take at least two to five hours.

8. Be present for the inspection. Most inspectors will let you tag along with them, and that's a good idea. You'll be able to see imminent problems firsthand and receive tips from the inspector regarding maintenance and repairs.

9. Obtain a written report. While it's valuable to hear the inspector's verbal observations, his written report is much more important because you can use it as a bargaining tool when negotiating the home's sale price.

10. Clarify key details. Make sure you agree on the format of the written report and the amount of time it will take for the inspector to complete it. The inspector should deliver the report directly to you and only to you.

Sources: Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org); American Society of Home Inspectors (http://www.ashi.org); and Home Inspection Institute of America (http://www.inspecthomes.org)

- Compiled by Laura T. Coffey

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