A home inspection is an important part of your home buying and selling process. This article explains why.

A professional home inspection protects both the buyers and sellers. It allows both of you the opportunity to learn about the property''s defects.
A home inspection usually covers the following:
• Plumbing conditions - if there is a leakage of clogging
• Roof condition - the extent of deterioration and probable life of the roof
• Electrical conditions - if there are inadequate circuits or potential fire hazards
• Structural condition - if there are problems with the underlying foundation of the home.

As a seller, the home inspection reports protect you because it established the actual condition of the property at the time of sale. For the buyer, the home inspection informs you of potential problems and is a good source of data on the home you are buying.

A home inspection is a visual inspection of the condition of the property. The inspection should include an evaluation of the plumbing, water supply, septic, heating and cooling systems, roof, wiring, foundation and pest infestation. The resulting home inspection report summarizes the condition of the property, points out the need for major repairs and identifies areas that may need attention in the near future.

When you make an offer on a home by completing a Purchase and Sale Agreement Form, you indicate your desire to have a home inspection. You typically have 1-2 weeks to complete the home inspection and respond to the seller with your requirements or your intention to move forward with the purchase.

Buying a home is a big investment. You need an accurate assessment from a professional home inspector to make intelligent decisions whether to:
• Proceed with the purchase
• Negotiate repairs or adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are discovered
• Withdraw from the purchase

Inspection fees for a typical single family home in New Hampshire vary but will typically range from $250 to $700 depending on they type of property, number of water test parameters, septic inspection requirements, and type of radon testing.

The knowledge gained from an inspection is usually worth the time and expense. You will avoid purchasing a home with significant defects without some consideration from the seller. Even if the home inspection demonstrates a very solid home, you will have learned many things about your new home, and will want to keep that information for future reference. Besides, a few hundred dollars for piece of mind is a bargain.

• Even experienced homeowners lack the knowledge and expertise of an experienced and trained home inspector.
• It will be very difficult to remain objective and unemotional about owning this new home and it will likely affect your judgment.
• If there are defects you intend to negotiate with the seller, you will need to provide the seller with an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection. The seller may disagree with your assessment of a required repair but will find it more difficult to ignore the written opinion of an expert home inspector.

A home inspection does not pass or fail a property. The home inspection report describes the physical condition of a property and indicates what may need repair or replacement. You decide if the home passes or fails your own requirements.

Word of mouth referrals from friends or a Realtor is the best way to find a home inspector. Industry designations are also an important consideration including:
• (NACHI) The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors for information and referrals 
NACHI is an independent home inspection organization that sets business practice standards and promotes continuing education.
• (ASHI) American Society of Home Inspectors for information and referrals 
ASHI is a not-for-profit professional society established in 1976. Membership is voluntary and its members include private, fee-paid home inspectors. ASHI''s objectives include promotion of excellence within the profession and continual improvement of its members'' inspection services to the public.
• (NAHI CRI) Certified Real Estate Inspector for information and referrals 
NAHI Membership requirements include successful completion of all requirements for regular membership, completion of 250 fee paid written home inspections and successful completion of the NAHI CRI exam. On an annual basis, NAHI CRI members must submit copies of 3 completed home    inspection reports for review and complete a minimum of 16 continuing education units (CEU''s).

It''s a really good idea. You will rarely spend a few hours in your entire life time learning as much as you will from a home inspector during the process of the home inspection. You may be surprised how detailed the inspection report is. Having seen the property with the inspector will make the written report easier to understand.