There are many misconceptions people have about home inspections.

1. Home inspections are not appraisals.

A home inspection is done by an independent trained inspector whose job it is to act as an independent reviewer of the current condition of the home, including it’s systems (heating, plumbing, electrical, etc.) and components (foundation, walls, support beams, roof, etc.).

A home inspector will provide you with a written report that contains their observations and evaluation of the home’s condition as well as a list of recommendations. A home inspector cannot and will not appraise the value of the home.

2. I don’t need a home inspection – it’s a brand new home
Many buyers assume that if they’re buying a new home everything is done perfectly. Unfortunately, builders and construction teams make mistakes. Water lines and heating vents may not be connected properly, insulation may not have been fully sprayed or laid in all areas, and more.
A buyer should never assume that all systems and components of a new home are functioning properly until they’re inspected. Simply put, new construction is no greater guarantee of quality than a home that’s been lived in for some time.

3. I’m buying a foreclosure or bank-owned home – I don’t need a home inspection
Seriously? The banks sell their properties on an ‘as is’ basis for one reason: they’ve already lost money on the home and they have no intention of fixing anything that’s wrong with it. They’ve also likely never seen the home – not inside or outside – so they have absolutely no idea what condition it’s in. They only want to get it off their books.
Always inspect a home before you buy it to protect your investment and be certain it is a true bargain. After all, the former owner could have flushed cement mix down the toilets. You never know and the bank doesn’t either.

4. The VA, FHA, or the city already inspected the home and I don’t need to pay for another inspection
The FHA and the VA have never inspected homes and the city government won’t expose themselves to the risk of home inspections. Appraisers don’t inspect FHA and VA homes either. To determine a home’s value, an appraiser will do a visual assessment of the home and compare it with other homes in the area – this is not an inspection, it’s merely a way to place a value on the home and it’s more for the lender. An appraiser doesn’t have the training to do an inspection.A home inspection is intended to expose the home’s true condition to the buyer and seller and what you do with that information is up to you.

See some images of issues found during infrared inspections in the Chicago area.

Andrew MacDonald has trained extensively in infrared home inspections – give him a call today at 855-420-8550 to schedule your infrared home inspection today. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates to keep your Illinois home in top condition.