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 When
Do I Request An Inspector?
 The
best time to consult Erwin Cox is right after
you’ve made an offer on your new building. The real
estate contract usually allows for a grace period to
inspect the building. Ask your professional agent to
include this inspection clause in the contract, making
your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of
a professional inspection.
Why
Do I Need An Inspection?
The
purchase of a home or commercial building is one of the
largest single investments you will ever make. You
should know exactly what to expect --- both indoors and
out -- in terms of needed and future repairs and
maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding
serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling may
indicate a chronic roof leakage problem or may be simply
the result of a single incident. The inspector
interprets these and other clues, then presents a
professional opinion as to the condition of the property
so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of
course, an inspection will also point out the positive
aspects of a building, as well as the type of
maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the
inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding
of the property you are about to purchase, and be able
to make your decision confidently.
As a seller, if you
have owned your building for a period of time, an
inspection can identify potential problems in the sale
of your building and can recommend preventive measures
which might avoid future expensive repairs.
Should
I
Attend The Inspection?
Yes,
it is to the homeowner's benefit to be present at the
time of the inspection. Our job is not just to inspect
the property, but also to educate the homeowner or
potential buyer of the condition of the property, and
this can be better achieved if you are present at the
time of the inspection.
How
Do I Choose An Inspector?
Do
not let cost be the only factor in the selection of your
home or building inspector. The knowledge gained from
Erwin Cox's inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest priced
inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's
qualifications including experience, training, and
professional affiliations, should be the most important
consideration. |
Can
I Inspect The Building Myself?
Even
the most experienced builder or home owner lacks the
knowledge and expertise of Erwin Cox who
has inspected over 7,000 homes in his career. Erwin Cox is equally
familiar with the critical elements of construction and
with the proper installation, maintenance and
inter-relationships of these elements. Above all, most
buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective
and unemotional about the building they really want, and
this may lead to a poor assessment.
What
Does An Inspection Include?
A
complete inspection includes a visual examination of the
building from top to bottom. Erwin Cox evaluates and
reports the condition of the structure, roof,
foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central
air-conditioning system (temperature & conditions
permitting), visible insulation, walls, windows, and
doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible
by normal means are included in the report.
What
Will The Inspection Cost?
The
inspection fee for a typical single-family house or
commercial building varies geographically, as does the
cost of housing, similarly, within a geographic area the
inspection fees charged by different inspection services
may vary depending upon the size of the building,
particular features of the building, age, type of
structure, etc. However, the cost should not be a factor
in the decision whether or not to have a physical
inspection. You might save many times the cost of the
inspection if you are able to have the seller perform
repairs based on significant problems revealed by Erwin Cox. Consult your professional agent for guidance.
See
our published Rate Schedule for more information.
Please contact our office to
get an accurate quotation of fees for your inspection.
What are your inspector's qualifications? Erwin
Cox is a member of
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI®).
As a member
of NACHI®,
Erwin has met the most rigorous technical and experience
requirements in effect today. A NACHI® inspector is
required to abide by the Association's Code of Ethics, and to
obtain 18 hours of continuing education credits every
year in order to keep
current with the latest in building technology,
materials and professional skills. |
