Home Inspection of
Remodeling Projects

home remodeling tid-bits

topic: home inspection
by Debbie Abrams Kaplan

 

Why Home Inspections are Important

Remodeling your home takes not only time, but money – often a lot of it. And there is nothing worse than finishing the project only to find out later, after the money has been paid to the contractor, that your home has problems that could have been caught by a home inspector.

Inspectors are trained to evaluate structural components, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, insulation, ventilation and interior/exterior components. Some inspectors are also contractors, giving them additional knowledge and experience.

Before even starting your home renovation project, make sure the contract allows you a clean report from a professional home inspector, before your final payment is due to the contractor. Any licensed contractor should be proud to stand behind his work, and you should be wary of a contractor who doesn't agree to this term. After all, having a house inspection doesn't only protect you – it protects the contractor from surprises down the road. At completion you'll be sure the project was done right, and the contractor will have an outside opinion that the work got the stamp of approval from another professional.

Hiring a professional home inspector usually costs a few hundred dollars, but might save you thousands in headaches and additional work later on. If the inspector finds a problem, it can be rectified before you make your final payment to the contractor, so the contractor has incentive to make it right.

Try asking friends for home inspection service referrals, or find a licensed professional home inspector through the American Society of Home Inspectors, ashi.org.

More Information:
completing a home inspection