Absolutely! You need someone trained to examine the condition of a home before you purchase it. We all have an “Uncle Joe” the handy guy, or we someone who calls himself a “contractor,” but when you are making the biggest purchase that most people ever make, you need a certified professional.
When you make an offer on a home, it should be contingent (you are not obligated to buy the home) upon a satisfactory home inspection. The inspection is ordered and paid for by the Buyer at the time of the inspection. The cost is based on the size, age, special equipment and other factors, when you consider all of the knowledge that you will gain from the report they provide.
The full report includes the results of the inspector’s examination and operation of appliances, heating and air conditioning system, water heater, garage door opener and more. Plumbing, electrical system, the attic, the roof, and foundation types are identified and rated. The inspector must meet state requirements.
The highest standards and continuous training are held by home inspectors who are certified with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Association of Home inspectors (NAHI).
It is important to understand that there is a difference between the home inspector and the appraiser, they have two totally different task. The appraiser looks at the house to determine the value of the property by comparing it with similar properties in the neighborhood. So please don ’t think that this will take the place of a home inspection.’