Why get a home inspection?

Home Inspections...Just what's going on?
If you have ever bought or sold a home, or know someone who has, chances are, you've had a home inspection. The American Society of Home Inspectors defines a home inspection as "an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical checkup. If problems or symptoms are found, the home inspector may recommend further evaluation". Generally, the inspector will observe and report on "readily accessible installed systems and components of a home". These, according to the AZ Board of Technical Registrations, which certifies home inspectors to practice in the state, can be structural, such as ceilings, floors and foundations; exterior, including vegetation (grading) and driveways; and roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, central air conditioning, insulation, and ventilation. Safety issues are also addressed to some degree. Sellers may not be aware of defects, and generally realtors are not qualified to evaluate the physical condition of the property.
I usually ask my sellers to have a pre-listing inspection, just so we don't get any deal-killing surprises from a buyer's inspector. This gives us a chance to address problems and for my sellers to correct the most serious of them, before prospective buyers see the home. And I always ask my buyers to have an inspection to avoid later surprises in the homes they are purchasing.
It is now illegal to hire an inspector who is not certified, or who has not applied for certification by the AZ Board of Technical Registrations. This ensures that the inspector you hire is insured against liability, and that he/she has passed state exams, and has performed at least 50 home inspections. A list of certified inspectors can be found at www.btr.state.az.us/RegistrantSearch.asp A person who conducts home inspections and has not applied for, or received certification, could face a $2000. civil penalty. A realtor who recommends or uses such a home inspector could face disciplinary action the the AZ Dept. of Real Estate.
Rates generally start in the $300. range for a 3-4 hour inspection, and you should plan on attending with the inspector and your realtor for at least part of that time. Rates can go substantially higher depending on how many A/C and heating zones, amenities such as fireplaces, pools/spas, appliances, age and condition of the home, and square footage.
Remember, this may be the largest single purchase you will ever make, so doesn't it make sense to find out if there are serious defects, or if the home really is all you hoped it would be?