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FIND A HOME INSPECTOR CEDAR RAPIDS | MARION | IOWA CITY | NORTH LIBERTY
Finding a home Inspector:
A home is one of the biggest investments you will probably ever make. You want to be sure you are buying a sound property without a lot of major issues and or in need of expensive repairs.
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A home inspection is one of the components that can help you make a better decision about the home you are buying. Honestly, I believe it is some of the best money you ever spend for the value you get back.
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It doesn’t eliminate risk but can help to reduce it.
Timmerman Radon Testing, LLC – 319-213-0228
Radon Testing Company Serving:
Cedar Rapids | Marion | Hiawatha | Robins | Palo | Center Point | Urbana | Shellsburg | Atkins | Fairfax | Walford Swisher | Ely | Lisbon | Mt. Vernon | Springville | Iowa City | North Liberty | Tiffin | Coralville | Surrounding Area | Radon Testing | Certified Radon Tester | Radon Measurement License #S00469 | Affordable Radon Testing
What is a home inspection?
Is a home inspection pass or fail? No, in most private real estate transactions in Iowa there is no governing body to dictate a home sale/home inspection as pass or fail. The vast majority of homes have issues, upgrades, improvements or maintenance items that will be noted during a home inspection. Remember, unless the house is new, you are buying a used property. So, it is important to keep the process in perspective based on comparable properties and the age of the home.
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Most Home Inspectors provide a general visible inspection. What that means is that the inspector checks the things they can see but doesn’t inspect the things they can’t.
This may seem obvious, but many people think that when they get a home inspection, if the inspector doesn’t note it, it doesn’t exist. In truth, there are many of the components not visible during an inspection. For example, plumbing, HVAC and electrical components hidden behind walls.
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Also, most home inspectors don’t provide any guarantee of future functionality. What does that mean? An inspector will comment on things they notice not functioning properly at the time of the inspection but unfortunately things break, things go bad, things wear out. And with as many different components and moving parts that a home has, it is guaranteed to happen, just a matter of “when” it does.
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There is also a human element involved. Even the best Home Inspectors will make mistakes or possible miss something. This is normal. When you know that and understand that a home inspection is meant to reduce risk and not eliminate it, you will feel much more comfortable about going through the process. And remember to read your report thoroughly as many inspectors will note what they inspected and what they did not.
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(There are also other services that you can add on top of a general home inspection. Items typically include a WDI pest inspection, radon testing and sometimes sewer scope. These are more specialized industries. A WDI Pest Inspection includes termites and carpenter ants. All pest inspections in IA must be licensed by the state. Radon testing is also regulated by the State of Iowa. Radon levels in Iowa have the highest average in the country. Make sure your radon tester has an IA state license number.)
Timmerman Radon Testing, LLC – 319-213-0228
Radon Testing Company Serving:
Cedar Rapids | Marion | Hiawatha | Robins | Palo | Center Point | Urbana | Shellsburg | Atkins | Fairfax | Walford Swisher | Ely | Lisbon | Mt. Vernon | Springville | Iowa City | North Liberty | Tiffin | Coralville | Surrounding Area | Radon Testing | Certified Radon Tester | Radon Measurement License #S00469 | Affordable Radon Testing
How to choose a home inspector?
With such a big job to do, choosing a Home Inspector can be intimidating.
Since Iowa and the local jurisdictions in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Corridor don’t have a licensed Home Inspectors for private home sales, most Home Inspectors are certified with a national association. Some of these national inspector associations may have even more strict guidelines that many state regulated inspectors.
The two big ones are ASHI and Internachi.
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ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) chapter is dedicated to continuing education, improvement and professionalism of local home inspectors.
The Cedar Rapids & Iowa City area boasts one of the strongest home inspector chapters in Iowa.
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Internachi is another association for Home Inspector certification. This is the largest Home Inspector association in the country with a great training and testing process.
Both of these organizations are a good starting point but there are also other inspection certifications that an Inspector may have that are just as good. One of the main things is getting a trained home inspector, not someone you know with some construction experience as the process is quite a bit different.
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At the end of the day it really comes down to knowledge, experience, communication ability and reputation of the individual inspector.
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A referral from someone you know who is aware of the Inspectors reputation is a great place to start. Online reviews can be another. As a former home inspector myself, feel free to call or email with any additional questions.
Timmerman Radon Testing, LLC – 319-213-0228
Radon Testing Company Serving:
Cedar Rapids | Marion | Hiawatha | Robins | Palo | Center Point | Urbana | Shellsburg | Atkins | Fairfax | Walford Swisher | Ely | Lisbon | Mt. Vernon | Springville | Iowa City | North Liberty | Tiffin | Coralville | Surrounding Area | Radon Testing | Certified Radon Tester | Radon Measurement License# RNTST09152 | Affordable Radon Testing