What is Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares and delivers to the client a written report of findings. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase. The home inspector describes the condition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency, or life expectancy of systems or components.
A home inspector is sometimes confused with a real estate appraiser.
A home inspector determines the condition of a structure, whereas an appraiser determines the value of a property. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an inspection to verify compliance with appropriate codes; building inspection is a term often used for building code compliance inspections in the South Africa. A similar but more complicated inspection of commercial buildings is a property condition assessment. Home inspections identify problems but building diagnostics identifies solutions to the found problems and their predicted outcomes.
Home Buyers
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment most people will ever make. It is advisable to make a well informed decision before you buy. This includes getting a proper value evaluation, normally done by Estate Agents, as well as a professional property inspection, done by an accredited inspector.
In doing so you can avoid nasty surprises, costly repairs and/or disputes during the transfer process. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and will be able to make a confident buying decision.
Home Owners
As a home owner, a property inspection can identify problems early on and recommend preventative measures which might avoid costly future repairs.
In addition, home sellers may choose to have an inspection done prior to placing the home on the market to gain a better understanding of conditions which the buyer or his inspector may point out. This not only reduce your risks, but it also provides an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition and also avoid unwanted defect problems and accusations by a buyer, (which could even occur after the property is transferred into the buyer’s name).Having your property inspected by a professional property inspector may even adds to the sales value of your property.
Well, the simple answer is yes, you probably can do an inspection yourself.
However, experience has shown that most people find it very difficult to remain completely objective when they inspect a property that they really like. Further to that, the majority of potential property buyers does not have sufficient knowledge to undertake a full and professional inspection.
Don't feel bad about it!
After all, you go to professional people for almost all other aspects of your life, and you don't feel guilty about that!
For peace of mind it is always best to get an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of property inspection.
The cost of a property inspection varies based on the size of the property, and therefore the time spent in inspecting it and compiling the report.
Prices starts from as little as R1750.
Why don't you let us do a no-obligation quote for you, then you decide for yourself?