FAQs

What exactly is a Home Inspection?

What does a standard home inspection include?

Why is a Home Inspection so important?

How much does a Home Inspection typically cost?

Can't I inspect the home myself?

Can a house actually "fail" an inspection?

How do I find a reputable home inspector?

When is the proper time to order an inspection?

Do I have to be present for the home inspection?

What if my inspector finds problems with the home?

If the house checks out OK, did I really need an inspection in the first place?

What is the difference between a Home Inspection and Home Warranty Evaluation?

What exactly is a Home Inspection?

A standard home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems of a residential building, much like a physical exam that your doctor may perform on you. However, it should be clearly understood that a home inspection is not to be confused with an appraisal, warranty evaluation, building code inspection, a guarantee of any kind, and/or an insurance policy on the condition of the property.

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What does a standard Home Inspection Include?

During an inspection, the inspector will review the readily accessible exposed portions of the structure of the home, including the roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, basement and foundation, as well as the heating/air conditioning systems, interior plumbing and electrical systems for potential problems.

Keep in mind that a home inspection is not intended to point out every small problem or invisible/latent defect in a home. Most minor or cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent to the buyer without the aid of a professional.

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Why is a Home Inspection so important?

The purchase of a home is one the largest single investments you will ever make. With that in mind, it is extremely important that you learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the possible need for any major repairs before making the purchase. A home inspection by a LSBHI-licensed inspector helps minimize the possibility of unpleasant surprises, unexpected costs and post-purchase headaches.

It's important to remember that a reputable home inspector will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, giving you confidence and peace of mind

What's more, home inspections are not just for new homebuyers. For existing homeowners, an inspection may be considered in order to identify problems in the making, and to learn important preventive measures to avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, you also may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

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How much does a Home Inspection typically cost?

The fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, much like the cost of the property itself. Other cost factors include the size and features of the house, its age, and additional considerations such as optional testing.

It's always a good idea to compare prices from several different inspection services in your area, paying close attention to exactly what is included with the price. When comparing inspection services, it's important to remember that the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily the best choice. The inspector's qualifications, including his experience, training, professional affiliations – and most importantly his LSBHI licensing - should be the most important consideration when making your decision.

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Can't I Inspect the home myself?

Technically, yes – but you're taking a substantial gamble in doing so. Typically, even the "handiest" homeowner lacks the knowledge, training and experience of a professional home inspector, who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes over the span of a career. An LSBHI-licensed inspector is familiar with the countless elements of home construction, proper component installation, and maintenance. They understand how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how - and why - they fail.

What's more, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may skew their judgment. For the most objective and accurate assessment of any home's condition, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a trained, licensed expert.

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Can a Home actually "fail" an inspection?

Realistically speaking, no. An inspection is merely a thorough examination of the home's current condition. It is neither an appraisal (which determines market value) nor a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not "pass" or "fail" a house, but will accurately and objectively describe its physical condition and indicate potential problems or concerns.

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How do I find a reputable home inspector?

The best place to start is right here on our web site! The Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors goes to great lengths to ensure that all its licensed inspectors are fully-trained and certified, and that they meet our impeccably high standards for professionalism, expertise and reliability. Click here for a list of LSBHI inspectors in your area.

Real estate agents are also generally familiar with reputable home inspection service providers, and should be able to provide you with a list of names from which to choose.

Whatever your referral source, you will want to make sure that the home inspector is:

- LSBHI-licensed and certified, and

- A Member in good standing of either the International Society of Home Inspectors® (ISHI) and/or the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI) to guarantee his or her professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics.

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When is the proper time to order an inspection?

A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement with the seller has been signed, and, depending on the home inspector's schedule, is often available within a day or two. However, before you sign any agreements with the seller, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

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Do I have to be present for the home inspection?

Technically, no, but LSBHI highly recommends that you attend, for several reasons:

1) You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly

2) You will learn, first-hand, about the condition of the home and become familiar with all its features and components

3) You will get to know how various systems work, and how to maintain them.

If for any reason you cannot attend the inspection, you can still rest easy knowing that your LSBHI-licensed home inspector will provide you with a comprehensive, written report describing the inspection and its findings. However, there's simply no substitute for actually being there while the inspection takes place. Make time to be there!

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What if my inspector finds problems with the home?

First of all, it's important to remember that virtually no home is perfect. If your inspector does identify some problems with the home, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect.

What's more, you may be able to negotiate the purchase price of the home with the seller if significant problems are found, which will help you offset the required repair costs.

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If the house checks out OK, did I really need an inspection in the first place?

Most certainly, yes. Now that your new home has been thoroughly inspected, you can complete your home purchase with confidence in its overall condition and its vital systems and components. You will also have become knowledgeable about your new home's structure and systems, and can keep that information handy for future reference.

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What's The Difference between a Home Inspection and Home Warranty Evaluation?

Some inspectors -- whether hired through real estate agents or the homebuyers themselves -- don't really perform a complete home inspection at all, but rather what's known as a "warranty evaluation," and the difference is significant.

In a nutshell, a warranty evaluation usually takes under an hour, only covers basic elements that are covered by the home warranty such as the heating/air conditioning system and other built-in mechanical systems. Whereas a real home inspection consists of a full comprehensive evaluation of virtually every system and component of the home, including major appliances, roof, structure and utility systems, and includes a complete, written inspection report.

A licensed home inspector is also required to carry a minimum of $300,000 in Errors & Omission (E&O) Insurance, which protects both client and real estate agent in case the inspector inadvertently misses or omits a major defective system or component from his inspection report.

When selecting a home inspection service, make sure that you are, indeed, getting a full inspection, and not a simple warranty evaluation. The difference could mean potential savings of thousands of dollars in repair and maintenance bills over the long term.

Recently, the Louisiana House of Representatives passed H.B. 176, which clearly defines what a home inspection entails. A complete copy of the bill is available at http://www.legis.state.la.us/leg_docs/03RS/CVT3/OUT/0000KORI.PDF .

In addition, Act 568, located at http://www.legis.state.la.us/leg_docs/03RS/CVT2/OUT/H0007610.PDF states that these revisions officially went into effect on August 15, 2003.