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Greg Liebig, CIAQT
Certified Home Inspector
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
WI License #1955-106
Certified Home Inspector
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
WI License #1955-106
| Updated: 2/15/08 |
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| Copyright © 2006-2008 4-Square Home Inspections, LLC Sheboygan, WI All Rights Reserved |
Home Inspection Myths
1. All home inspectors are created equal.
1. All home inspectors are created equal.
- Not True! Even though Wisconsin has minimum requirements for all home inspectors,
each inspector has their own level of experience and knowledge. Some inspectors do
much more. For example, Wisconsin Law requires a minimum of 20 hours of continuing
education during the two year licensing period. Many trade organizations require much
more. Be sure to check the credentials of your home inspector to see if they are just
doing the minimums or if they are continually improving their education.
- Sellers are required to disclose all known defects of a home. But what happens if there
are problems not known to the seller? Do you want to take on the responsibility for
unknown defects? As-is properties usually preclude price negotiations after a home
inspection is complete and a home inspection could point out problems that may affect
the saleability or the safety of the home in the future.
- Termite inspections are good to have in areas where wood destroying organisms are
prevalent. If a home inspector finds a potential problem that would require an expert’s
opinion, a termite inspector may be recommended. However, it doesn’t work in the
reverse.
- We wish we did! A home inspector’s qualifications and experience will most definitely
help them use all of their senses to determine problems and potential problems with the
home. However, it is not possible for the inspector to tear apart walls, ceilings,
appliances, and the like to see if a problem exists.
- Not True! A home inspector is responsible for reporting on components that are readily
accessible and visible. Snow conditions, furniture, wall coverings, personal items can all
get in the way during a home inspection. It is important to have the Realtor work with the
seller if the home is occupied to make sure all major components of the home are
readily accessible like attic spaces, basements, utility areas, wall coverings, etc. A home
inspector is not allowed to move personal items during the inspection.
- Not True: Home builders have to meet the minimum requirements of the building code in
existence when the home is built. Remember, the building codes are the MINIMUM
requirements and may not reflect the manufacturer’s recommendations. For example, H-
Clips are not required under the current code for roofs, but if the roof deck is built
without them and not spaced properly, you could have a premature roof failure. A good
builder should encourage you to have a home inspection.
- Not True! Being present during the home inspection is an invaluable tool to get to know
your home. Even though you aren’t required to be present, it would be good to be there
for at least the last hour of the inspection. You home inspector should walk you through
the inspection findings and also take the time to show you the important maintenance
issues you will be assuming when you move in. Take the time and pick the inspector’s
brain regarding any concerns you may have about the property. It’s your time to learn
as much as you can about the home and your inspector is there to help!
- Not True! The purpose of an appraiser is to protect the LENDER. That’s why a loan is
not issued until the appraisal is complete.
- Not True! Your home inspector is there to give you a fact based report on the condition
of the property on the day of the inspection. They are there to alert you of significant
problems that can affect the overall present or future value of the home on the day of
the inspection or to inform you of potential hazards that could affect the safety of you
and your family. Cosmetic issues usually are not part of the inspection report. It’s up to
you to determine those significant issues and discuss those issues with your Realtor.
- Not True! Any individual in the state of Wisconsin performing a home inspection must
hold a valid Wisconsin Home Inspectors license. Even though a General Contractor may
possess the skills of a home inspector, they must also be able to evaluate all of the
systems of the home to give a proper and thorough assessment of the condition of the
property. It is also very important to have an unbiased person performing this
evaluation. There could be a conflict of interest if the person evaluating the property
performs any repairs to the property for hire. This is illegal in Wisconsin.
- Not True. The only person that can determine a code compliant problem is the Authority
Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). This is the person(s) hired by the local community to enforce
the current codes during a new build or a remodel with a building permit. As building
codes have evolved over the years, existing homes were grand fathered. A good home
inspector may suggest where improvements can be make but cannot comment on code
compliant issues.
- Not True! A home inspector’s primary responsibility is to look out for the client! In fact,
unless you have a signed buyer’s agency with your Realtor, the home inspector is the
only one in this role. The home inspection report is a confidential document that can
only be shared with the client. Only if the inspector has the client’s written permission
can the inspector share any of the information with anyone else unless there is a
significant safety issue discovered that could affect the occupants of the property.
- While some inspectors use paper carbon checklist style forms, other inspectors do not.
4-Square Home Inspections believe the time on site should be time spent with the client
and not preparing the report. We believe the value of the report has everything to do
with content and narratives and not with check boxes. We will prepare your report and
have it available the same day for you to access at your convenience.
- Not True! A home inspector’s job is to give an unbiased report on the condition of the
property on the day of inspection. Home inspectors are not in the business of issuing
grades or rating the property. Each client should use the report to make their own
decisions regarding the present conditions of the property.
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