Home > Myths & Realities > Part Four
CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realties About Home Inspections – Part
Four
August 2006 (Palm Springs, Calif.) - In an ongoing series during its 30th anniversary year, the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) cautions home buyers and sellers, as well as all individuals involved in real estate transactions, that there are myths and misconceptions associated with retaining the services of a professional home inspector.
Myth: A newly constructed home does not
need an inspection.
REALITY: No matter how good a job your builder
does, a competent home inspector may find defective conditions that managed
to slip through the cracks of the construction and municipal inspection processes.
A new home construction inspection is an independent, third party inspection
to ensure that the work completed is in compliance with plans, specifications,
and the construction schedule. Once a home is built, many conditions that
could have been observed during construction are now covered and are no longer
visible for inspection. Often an improperly installed or poorly constructed
condition that could have been visually reviewed during construction becomes
covered or concealed later in the building process cause a potential financial
burden for the property owner for future corrective action. For these reasons,
it is important that a home be inspected during construction by the buyer’s
representative whenever possible so that any reportable defects can be corrected
before completion and transfer of title. A detailed inspection report can
provide a pick-up list for the contractor, before you occupy your new home;
be sure to hire a professional home inspector for a final review of the project.
Myth: An inspection is not needed as long
as an appraiser has viewed the property.
REALITY: While appraisers are skilled at the
valuation of properties, they are not home inspectors. Appraisers perform
a different service with a different level of expertise than a professional
home inspector - they generally do not climb on roofs, open electrical service
panels, or examine furnaces or other appliances. They are not trained to perform
home inspections to recognized standards, a process which typically requires
two to three hours on-site for a single-family home. Appraisers only establish
the value of the property for mortgage purposes. Buyers need to secure their
own home inspection through the services of a qualified inspector and satisfy
themselves about the condition of the property.
The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) cautions home buyers and sellers, as well as all individuals involved in real estate transactions, that there are there myths and misconceptions associated with retaining the services of professional home inspector.
> Part
One Myths:
- You only need a general contractor to do a home
inspection.
- A termite inspection is all you need to know about
a home you’re buying.
> Part
Two Myths:
- All home inspectors’ credentials are the same,
as long as they are certified.
- An inspection report isn’t needed as long as a qualified person just
tells you about the property.
> Part
Three Myths:
- The inspection report is a seller’s repair
list.
- A home for sale “As-Is” does not need an inspection.
> Part
Four Myths:
- A newly constructed home does not need an inspection.
- An inspection is not needed as long as an appraiser has viewed the property.
> Part
Five Myths:
- A “walk through” at closing is the same
as a home inspection.
- If you are not buying or selling a home, you don’t need an inspection.
> Part Six
Myths:
- You don’t need to present at an inspection.
- You should always hire the inspector recommended by your REALTOR®.
- You don’t need a professional inspector when you can do it yourself.
- All inspector organizations are the same.
> Part
Seven Myths:
- A home seller doesn’t need to prepare for
an inspection.
- Inspectors are all the same, so hire the lowest
priced one.
