Home Inspection Information
What's involved in a home inspection?
After your offer on a home has been accepted, and before you sign the contract, a professional home inspector is hired (by you, the buyer) to examine the property and report any problems or defects. The inspector should be a building industry professional such an architect, building contractor or engineer. It's a good idea to go along on the inspection so you can learn about your new home firsthand.
Why do I need a home inspection before buying?
A professional home inspection can uncover problems and defects even the homeowner didn't know existed. It can save you a lot of headaches and money if you know about the problems before you sign a contract.
If problems are discovered, you can renegotiate the price, or have the owner complete any necessary repairs before you move in.
I'm buying a brand new home. Do I still need an inspection?
Yes. It's always smart to have a home inspection, whether the home you are buying is 30 years old, or just being constructed. The inspection of a newly built home can reveal incorrect elevations, missing insulation, use of incorrect materials, errors in installing drywall, defective tile installation and even problems with appliance installation. If you are purchasing a new Palm Beach home, condo or townhome, your inspector will review inspection reports on the property, architectural plans, surveys and other relevant construction information that the homebuilder provides.
Where do I find a home inspector?
You want to hire someone who is in the business and has had extensive home inspection experience, either a professional home inspector, an engineer, architect or a contractor. Ask for referrals from family, your lender or your agent. We can give you names of home inspectors whose work we know. Professional associations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors will have listings of members who work in the Palm Beach area. It's a good idea to hire an inspector who belongs to a professional association because members follow the association's inspection guidelines and adhere to a code of ethics. Also make sure your inspector carries E&O (Errors and Omissions) insurance that covers defects that may be missed. Since rates for a Palm Beach home inspection can vary widely, be sure to get a solid quote and an itemized list of what will be included.
