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"A
Home Inspection is only as good as the book it is recorded in." |
The HomeBook
was written in 1981 in response to the overwhelming market demand for
an accurate and easy-to-understand Home Inspection reporting system.
Since then, it has remained unsurpassed in its:
1. Clarity
2. Simplicity
3. Insight
The HomeBook develops
these three principles into a reporting system that delivers a
comprehensive and invaluable education to the homebuyer. It allows the
Home Inspector to clearly communicate the problems he finds in the
house to the potential home buyer. Which in turn allows the home buyer
to make a more educated and informed purchasing decision.
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The HomeBook
Will:
- Put your property
into perspective by comparing it with its peers (i.e. houses of similar
vintage, material usage, intent).
- Summarize the major
points of concern and the significant qualities of the property.
- Include the level of
complexity of the property and the probability of undiscovered problems.
- List and Price those
components which have a high probability of failure within the coming
five years (i.e. roofing, heating/air conditioning, water heaters, etc.)
- Identify potential
remodeling problems, such as materials containing asbestos, electrical
systems which cannot be expanded to accommodate a new kitchen, old
galvanized plumbing supply pipes which will not deliver an adequate
supply of water or may leak, etc.)
- Note amateur
workmanship or substandard maintenance, or advise you when to consult
an expert to look more closely at suspected problem areas.
- Detail the
maintenance for all components of the house.
- List problems in
major and minor groupings. (Major problems are defined as problems that
cost $500 or more to repair or constitute a significant safety hazard.
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The HomeBook
organizes information into eight major categories:
1. Structure:
The structure of the
building is identified here in terms of materials used, type of
construction, and the degree to which various areas are accessible to
the inspector. Significant subcomponents, such as foundation type,
framing materials, etc. are listed, as well as their idiosyncrasies.
The inspector also checks for major or minor problems in the various
structural systems of the building, including the foundation, floor,
wall, and roof framing.
2.
Electrical: The
existing electrical system is checked for sufficient capacity and
safety. The inspector evaluates the system in terms of its current
condition, and considers its suitability for future intended use.
Upgrades and repairs are recommended where appropriate.
3.
Heating
& Air Conditioning: The
inspector assesses the capacity of the existing equipment to produce
comfortable conditions. By considering the age of the existing
equipment and the intended capacity, the inspector can approximate the
life expectancy and recommend appropriate repairs or upgrades within a
budget.
4.
Plumbing: The
piping and fixtures though out the house are checked for functional
flow and life expectancies. The system is screened for unsanitary
conditions and potential repairs, such as freeze vulnerability or
spillage/overflow. The laundry equipment, tile work, and domestic water
heating equipment are surveyed as well. Useful upgrades are itemized
and upcoming replacements budgeted.
5.
Basement/Crawlspace/Slab: Water
Seepage probabilities and structural problems are evaluated and
remediation advice is given. The inspector looks for possible problem
areas that could cause structural problems, such as poor soil, surface
drainage, close proximity tree roots, rotating stoops, etc.
6.
Kitchen: The appliances are
operated and deficiencies noted. The inspector recommends appropriate
upgrades and approximates the life expectancy of each piece of
equipment. Depending on age and usefulness, the inspector may suggest a
budget for repairs from complete renovation to typical minor problems
such as appliance malfunctions, damage to floor seams, or inoperative
door springs.
7.
Interior: The
inspector scans the wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces for problematic
conditions, such as visible evidence of water penetration, potentially
dangerous or toxic materials, fire hazards, or security breaches. The
ventilation and energy conservation aspects are checked and appropriate
upgrades are itemized.
8.
Exterior: The
inspector walks on the roof (where safe and appropriate) and notes
preservation deficiencies. Roof runoff controls and landscape drainage
are checked and improvements are recommended where necessary. Stoops,
steps, walks, and drives are checked for voids, surface problems, and
safety hazards.
Each of these eight categories has
its own color-coded report page. These coordinated "Key sheets" itemize
the problems into both major and minor problems.
The simple color coding makes it easy
to find what you are looking for:
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Blue
- Documents the general information recorded about the house
Red -
Designates major problems (defined as problems that typically cost $500
or more to repair or which constitute a significant safety risk)
White - designates minor problems or
deferred maintenance items that should be reviewed on a continuous
basis to insure that they do not become major problems
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For the convenience of the home buyer, the most
important information is summarized clearly and concisely at
the beginning of the report. Titled the
"Perspective Summary", this section illustrates and outlines a general
overview of the condition of the house by quickly generalizing the
eight categories.
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The
HomeBook is the best strategy
potential homebuyers can use to effectively evaluate the risks of a
property purchase. Like any major purchase, a major concern of a
consumer is being confronted with unforeseen, and often costly, repairs
after taking possession of a property.
A HomeBook home
inspection can greatly reduce that concern by screening for problems
and itemizing those problems into a comprehensive, easy-to-read report.
This in turn allows the buyer make a more informed purchasing decision.
In addition to
documenting a house’s problems, the HomeBook gives you cost analysis
solutions, including approximations of repair costs and recommendations
of useful upgrades to property systems. These estimates are extremely
useful if any future problems arise after the purchase of the house.
In any event, the
home owner can refer to the HomeBook before relying on contractor
trustworthiness. Furthermore, the client receives the HomeBook
immediately upon completion of the home inspection, providing the
homebuyer with an invaluable resource and tool, both for the
negotiating process of buying a house, and as a customized maintenance
plan in the event you purchase the house.
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