Home Inspection 101

I don't need a home inspection because:

#1. It is a brand new house.

#2. My uncle will check it out. He knows lots about houses.

#3. The sellers are such nice people, I'm sure everything is just fine.

#4. Whatever it is I can fix it myself.

#1. You're right! About 40,000 houses were built in the valley last year and everybody did just what they were supposed to. And besides, there are those city code people...Actually, the total time code officers are at the job site during course of construction is reported to be about twelve minutes.

#2. You're right! And, I'm sure that if uncle is wrong he'll stand by the state standards (on line at the Board of Technical Registration at www.btr.az.state.us) and his inspection.

#3. You're right! And, I'm sure once the deal is closed and they have moved away that if something is wrong they'll send you a check to cover it. Becuse, they're such nice people.

#4. You're right! Home Depot says so. They can help! (Bless your heart. What gives home inspectors job security is things wearing out and people going to Home Depot. Having electrical tape does not make you an electrician.)

A home inspection done to state standards by a certified inspector (means licensed in Arizona) is your way of bringing technical experience to your home purchase. Most people are delightfully unaware of what is in their home. Most people do not know what to look for on a roof, in an attic, in an electrical panel... Most people do not know how to safely open an electrical panel,and, it's one of those things in your home that can kill you.

Most people buy the house with their heart. Use your head, get a home inspection.

Nel Broce

Nel is a Senior Inspector at Desert State Home Inspections. ASHI certification # 109712, AZ certification #38548. He can be reached at 480-585-6456.