Before purchasing a home, it is most important to have a thorough home inspection done, so you don't regret skipping it later, if problems become apparent. You want to make sure you get a good one when you need a home inspection.

By assessing a house professionally and objectively, a home inspection evaluates its current condition. Typically done as part of the home buying process, home inspections are most often performed at the buyer's request. Occasionally, the buyer's bank protects itself from risky investments by requiring it, but it also protects the purchaser from unforeseen problems. If there are any problems discovered, a seller may be asked to either renegotiate the sale price, or take care of the repairs and remedy the problem.

Problems with a house may be addressed prior to putting it on the market, when the service is requested by a home seller.

The best home inspector is likely to have acquired considerable knowledge of common home repairs and of their costs. A professional home inspection is most valuable because it is unbiased and knowledgeable. A quality home inspection performed according to industry accepted standards is non-invasive. An inspector will not remove wall surfaces or drill holes.

Inspection of the following areas is normal:

A real problem area can be the roof. They should inspect the general shingle condition, flashings, gutters and downspouts, and the general structure of the roof that can be readily accessed for viewing.

Outside, the house should be looked at for defects in the wall coverings such as siding, flashings, brick or other materials; doors and windows for fit; porches and steps for proper rails and general conditions including rot; and surface drainage as it may affect the structure of the house. Signs of shifting should be looked for too, such as door frames that are not square, or any cracks; signs of water penetration.

Given the value added by the reliability and certainty of a professional quality home inspection, its cost is well worth it and a minor part of the overall cost of a real estate transaction. You just never know what it will cost you to not know.

A home inspector will have looked at hundreds of items. The report identifies problems found during inspection. It will describe the findings in clear and easy to understand language, often accompanied by photographs. In person, during a visit to the home with the client, the home inspector may point out the various findings.

A professional quality home inspection usually costs anywhere from $250-$500, and will vary depending how old and big the house is. Some inspectors offer special deals at a lower cost but it is important for the prospective client to determine if the special deal follows all industry accepted standards.

If you are a seller, an inspection can help you market your house more effectively. You may be able to make some minor repairs which will pay off in getting a better price. An inspection may warn you of unnoticed and potentially costly repairs which will be needed for the house, if you are a buyer. Some might break the deal. Having the inspector's evaluation can help you get the very best deal if you do decide to buy the house.