Inspector


		An objective fault-finder. The home inspector is an objective third party who essentially gives your house a complete physical. He or she examines the property you're interested in with a fine-toothed comb, reporting on the condition of the structure and systems of the house, such as: • Plumbing • Electrical • Foundation • Heating and air conditioning • Termites and other pests • Dry rot • Boat docks • Sea walls • Pools Keep in mind: • Ask the inspector to provide a sample report. Make sure it's legible, descriptive, and approaching the length of War and Peace. Seriously! Good reports are mini-booklets of information about your home, not just a series of checked or unchecked boxes. • Find out what elements of the house are and are not included in the inspection. • You should try to be on site during the inspection. You'll learn things about your house you may never know otherwise, and it's a great opportunity to ask questions. • Talk to previous clients of the inspector who have owned their homes for a year or so. Find out if the inspector missed anything significant. • Don't consider your inspection a guarantee or warranty, but simply the best information possible at an affordable cost. • You may need to hire additional inspectors to check for termite damage and to inspect your roof. They will be licensed in these specific areas.