
A home inspection is
an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a
house, from the roof to the foundation.

The standard home
inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system;
central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and
electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings,
floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a
Standards of Practice
and
Code of Ethics
that outlines what you should
expect to be covered in your home inspection report.

Buying a home could be
the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant
surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can
about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home
inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as
well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the
inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make
decisions with confidence.
If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the
making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future
repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the
opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
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The time will vary depending on both
the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 2.5-3 hours and up is
typical. Larger homes, or homes in poor condition, will take longer.
We stay until the job is done and the systems are inspected. A quick home
inspection is usually an incomplete home inspection.
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No. The ASHI Code of Ethics and New York
State prohibit home inspectors from doing repair work on properties they
inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by
the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third
party report on the condition of the home to you, our client.
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Yes. We are fully Insured and
Bonded. We carry Errors and Omissions Insurance, as well. Proof of
license will be furnished in writing upon request.
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Yes. We are licensed by the
New York State Licensing Division and follow
the
NYS Regulations and Law on Home Inspections.
View Anthony Davila's
NYS License.
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The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does
the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee
may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age
and possible optional services such as septic, well or radon testing.
Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection
or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and
knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the
lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector’s
qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s
regulations, if any, and professional affiliations as a guide.
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Even the most
experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home
inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home
construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she
knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together,
as well as why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and
unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on
their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an
impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home
inspection.
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No. A
professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a
house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a
municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home
inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its
physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major
repair or replacement.
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You can ask friends or
business acquaintances to recommend a home inspector they have used. Or,
you can use the
Find An Inspector
search tool for a list of
home inspectors in your area who belong to the non-profit professional
organization. To have a list mailed to you, call 1-800-743-ASHI (2744).
Also, real estate agents and brokers are familiar with the service and may be
able to provide you with a list of names from which to choose.
Whatever your referral source, you can be assured of your home inspector’s
commitment to professional standards and business ethics by choosing one who has
membership in ASHI.
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Since 1976, ASHI has
worked to build consumer awareness of home inspection and to enhance the
professionalism of its membership. The ASHI
Standards of Practice and
Code
of Ethics serves as a performance guideline for home inspectors, and is
universally recognized and accepted by many professional and governmental
bodies.
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ASHI is an
organization of independent, professional home inspectors who are required to
make a commitment, from the day they join as Candidates, to conduct inspections
in accordance with the ASHI
Standards of Practice and
Code
of Ethics, which
prohibits engaging in conflict-of-interest activities that might compromise
their objectivity. Candidates work their way to Member status as they meet
rigorous requirements, including passing a comprehensive, written technical exam
and performing a minimum of 250 professional, fee-paid home inspections
conducted in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Mandatory continuing education helps the membership stay current with the latest
in technology, materials and professional skills.
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Typically, a home
inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has
been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the
sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings
of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms
and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
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While it’s not
required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended.
You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about
the condition of the home and how to maintain it.
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No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t
buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget
is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this
information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a
seller may agree to make repairs.
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Now you can complete
your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about
your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that
information for future reference.
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