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Why Is
A Home Inspection So Important?
The purchase of a home is one of 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
http://www.lsbhi.state.la.us/faqs.htm 5/6/08
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.
http://www.lsbhi.state.la.us/faqs.htm 5/6/08
What Really MattersBuying
a home? The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite
effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time. This often includes a written report, checklist,
photographs, and what the inspector himself says during the inspection. All this combined with the seller's disclosure
and what you notice yourself makes the experience even more overwhelming. What should you do? Relax.
Most
of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections. These are nice to know
about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories: - Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure.
- Things that lead to major defects. A small roof-flashing leak,
for example.
- Things that may hinder your ability to
finance, legally occupy or insure the home.
- Safety hazards,
such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electric panel.
Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often
a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).
Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects
uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report.
No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Do not kill your deal over things that do not matter. It is inappropriate
to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure or nit-picky
items. 
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