Common Mistakes Buyers Shouldn't Make During a Home Inspection
The home inspection is one of the most crucial steps for buying a home, and it shouldn't be overlooked or rushed. In fact, the inspection process has the potential to be just as nerve-racking for the buyer as it is for the seller. What if you've fallen in love with a beautiful home that has major problems lurking beneath the surface?
That's why it's extremely important to pay attention during this process, and take steps to avoid common pitfalls. How can you possibly screw it up? We're here to tell you.
Stay clear of these mistakes when you get an inspection on your dream home.
Read more: Common Mistakes Buyers Shouldn't Make During a Home Inspection
Frost in Your Attic? What you should know.
With the cold spell this January here in southern Indiana some homeowners may be seeing frost inside their attic. The best way to prevent frost from accumulating in an attic is to seal off attic air leaks. Small air leaks may not seem to be important, these can add up to a lot of frost accumulation in the attic. It's important to seal all attic air leaks; not just the big ones. Once every little air leak has been perfectly sealed, the attic will be frost free. The only problem with doing all of this air sealing is that the air leaks are located underneath the attic insulation, and it can be very difficult to find every air leak without completely removing the attic insulation. For this reason, it's nice to start with the easier stuff first.
Ken Osborne, Owner
Proudly serving the Louisville Metro Area and Southern Indiana since 1978.
Contact us today at 502-551-8390 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Service Area:
Southern Indiana Area
New Albany (47150, 47151), Corydon (47112), Georgetown (47122), Greenville (47124), Salem (47167), Borden (47106), Henryville (47126), Memphis (47143), Charlestown (47111), Clarksville (47129, 47172), Jeffersonville (47130), Pekin (47165), Scottsburg (47170), Sellersburg (47172), Seymour (47274)
Louisville Metro
Jefferson County, Oldham County, Henry County, Shelby County, Bullitt County and Hardin County.
Testimonials:
"They were good, they did a great job, Ken was awesome"
- Nick B.
EXCELLENT Company. If you want and honest inspection and a company that will give you the truth, please pick this company. Mr. Osborne and his team are just excellent. Don't use any other inspection company except Home Inspection Inc. My Realtor made me aware of three companies and I did contact them. I then went to Home Advisor and found Mr. Osborne's Company and now I wouldn't use anyone else. I love this Company!
- Mary M.
Thanks for the photos Ken. We are no longer under contract on that home. We felt the homeowners disclosures were fraudulent and now we see the realtor and homeowner are engaging in more fraud by stating on Zillow that the home was under contract with me for $480,000, which is false, the home was under contract for $451,000. They are doing that so potential buyers believe someone was willing to pay $480,000 for that lemon.
I am not one for filing complaints but what they tried to pull on me was so costly and flagrant that I feel compelled to do so. I am researching today on which agency to file a complaint with.
You are not in the home inspection business, your real business is protecting families assets and you did a great job uncovering all of the costly issues my family would have faced if we would have bought that home. I can't thank you enough.
J.C.
Here's what is included in an American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Home Inspection:
Structure - From foundation to roof. Includes crawlspace and attic inspections. The roof covering is inspected from on the roof whenever possible.- Exterior - Property grading and drainage, wall coverings, windows, doors, decks, porches, steps, railings, patios, walks. Garage door openers and auto reverse devices.
- Plumbing - Interior waste and disposal systems are identified and evaluated.
- Heating - Visible supply ducts and heating systems. Solid fuel heating devices, exterior of chimneys,visible flue linings and clearance to combustibles. Verify heat sources to habitable rooms.
- Cooling - Outside air conditioners and heat pumps. (weather permitting)
- Electrical - Inside and outside wiring, panel box wiring, accessible receptacles and switches, visible means of grounding.
- Interiors - Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, cabinets, counters, steps, handrails and fire wall separation of attached garages.
- Insulation and ventilation - Types of insulation and a means of ventilation are explained.
- Attached & Detached Garages - Buildings without a foundation are generally excluded from reporting.
In addition to the items required by the ASHI Standards, home inspection companies may include the following items in a home inspection at an additional fee.
- Built-in appliances
- Infestation inspections (Licensed and certified companies only)
- Pools & Spas
- Radon (testing and monitoring)
- Septic (visual only)
- Private water supply (Source and equipment are visually inspected)
- Water potability sampling available
- Environmental risk assessments (Visually identify potential environmental contaminants).
About the ASHI
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) was formed in 1976 as a non-profit professional societyto give home inspectors formal guidelines when performing a home inspection. ASHI has developed a professional Code of Ethics, a Standards of Practice and a stringent testing process for all members of the Society. Only those inspectors who have met these requirements are allowed to display the ASHI logo.
This professionalism gives assurance to consumers, sellers and real estate agents that they will receive a thorough, unbiased WRITTEN DISCLOSURE on the condition of the property prior to closing. Today ASHI is recognized in the U.S. and Canada as the leading authority in the home inspection industry.All inspections performed by ASHI members must meet specified minimum requirements as set forth by ASHI's Standards of Practice. Proven adherence to the Standards plus a continuing educational program is why ASHI inspectors are selected by most major relocation companies and ASHI inspectors have been recognized by HUD as meeting the requirements necessary for all FHA and VA inspections of existing homes. A copy of the Standards of Practice will be provided upon request by any member of ASHI or by writing to ASHI's national headquarters.
- More than 30 Years of Home Inspection Experience
- Certified in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the State of Indiana
- Master Certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (A.S.H.I.)
- One of the founding members of the Kentuckiana Chapter of A.S.H.I.
- Building Officials Code Administrators (BOCA) Certified to talk to builders and mechanical contractors about what is required on construction projects
- International Code Council Certified (I.C.C.)- 5175684-R5
- Better Business Bureau - A Rating
- Licensed Heating & AC Mechanic
- E.P.A Protocol Radon Testing
- Gas Certified
Home Inspections Inc. abides by the ASHI Code of Ethics
1. Home Inspections Inc. shall avoid conflicts of interest or activities that compromise, or appear to compromise, professional independence, objectivity, or inspection integrity.
A. Home Inspections Inc. shall not inspect properties for compensation in which they have, or expect to have, a financial interest.
B. Home Inspections Inc. shall not inspect properties under contingent arrangements whereby any compensation or future referrals are dependent on reported findings or on the sale of a property.
C. Home Inspections Inc. shall not directly or indirectly compensate realty agents, or other parties having a financial interest in closing or settlement of real estate transactions, for the referral of inspections or for inclusion on a list of recommended inspectors, preferred providers, or similar arrangements.
D. Home Inspections Inc. shall not receive compensation for an inspection from more than one party unless agreed to by the client(s).
E. Home Inspections Inc. shall not accept compensation, directly or indirectly, for recommending contractors, services, or products to inspection clients or other parties having an interest in inspected properties.
F. Home Inspections Inc. shall not repair, replace, or upgrade, for compensation, systems or components covered by ASHI Standards of Practice, for one year after the inspection.
2. Home Inspections Inc. shall act in good faith toward each client and other interested parties.
A. Home Inspections Inc. shall perform services and express opinions based on genuine conviction and only within their areas of education, training, or experience.
B. Home Inspections Inc. shall be objective in their reporting and not knowingly understate or overstate the significance of reported conditions.
C. Home Inspections Inc. shall not disclose inspection results or client information without client approval. Inspectors, at their discretion, may disclose observed immediate safety hazards to occupants exposed to such hazards, when feasible.
3. Home Inspections Inc. shall avoid activities that may harm the public, discredit themselves, or reduce public confidence in the profession.
A. Advertising, marketing, and promotion of Home Inspections Inc.' services or qualifications shall not be fraudulent, false, deceptive, or misleading.
B. Home Inspections Inc. shall report substantive and willful violations of this Code to the Society.
Testimonials:
"They were good, they did a great job, Ken was awesome"
- Nick B.
EXCELLENT Company. If you want and honest inspection and a company that will give you the truth, please pick this company. Mr. Osborne and his team are just excellent. Don't use any other inspection company except Home Inspection Inc. My Realtor made me aware of three companies and I did contact them. I then went to Home Advisor and found Mr. Osborne's Company and now I wouldn't use anyone else. I love this Company!
- Mary M.
Thanks for the photos Ken. We are no longer under contract on that home. We felt the homeowners disclosures were fraudulent and now we see the realtor and homeowner are engaging in more fraud by stating on Zillow that the home was under contract with me for $480,000, which is false, the home was under contract for $451,000. They are doing that so potential buyers believe someone was willing to pay $480,000 for that lemon.
I am not one for filing complaints but what they tried to pull on me was so costly and flagrant that I feel compelled to do so. I am researching today on which agency to file a complaint with.
You are not in the home inspection business, your real business is protecting families assets and you did a great job uncovering all of the costly issues my family would have faced if we would have bought that home. I can't thank you enough.
J.C.
More than 30 years of Home Inspection experience available to you when you contact us.
- Electrical / Plumbing / Appliances
- Heat / Air Cond. / Insulation / Ventilation
- Structural / Flooring
- Basements / Crawl Spaces / Water Intrusion
- Porches / Decks / Windows / Doors
- Walls / Ceilings / Floors / Stairs
- Water Heaters
- Air Conditioners
- Smoke detectors
- Dishwasher and Garbage Disposals
- Toilets - check for function and leaks
- Check around windows and doors for growths, mildew and moisture intrusion
- Roof damage and wear
- Foundation, basements and crawl spaces
- Chimneys and fireplaces
We notify you immediately of any problems.
Contact us today at 502-551-8390
Contact us today at 502-551-8390 or via email at kennyo47150@gmail.com
30 Years of Experience
Licensed in Kentucky & Indiana
Representing our Clients
We work for and represent you
Documenting Needed Repairs
Licensed Heating & AC Mechanic
Attention to Details
Abiding by the ASHI Code of Ethics
Water Damage Reports
Identifying Water Intrusion Issues
Inspecting Nooks & Crannies
Foundations, Basements & Crawl Spaces