Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make in their lifetime. When you’re looking to purchase real estate in Arizona, having a professional home inspection conducted prior to closing is absolutely essential. Keep reading to learn more about the value certified home inspectors provide and why you shouldn’t skip this important step when buying a home in Arizona.
What Does a Home Inspector Do?
A home inspector is a trained professional who thoroughly examines both the interior and exterior of a home to evaluate its physical condition. The inspector looks at the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, windows, doors, ceilings, walls, attic, basement, and more.
The inspection process involves visually examining the home, operating systems and appliances, using specialized tools and testing equipment, and documenting any issues or concerns discovered. Good inspectors will also educate you about the home as they go through the inspection, explaining their process and pointing out any repairs or replacements that may be needed down the line.
The result of the inspection is a detailed written report summarizing the home’s overall condition, highlighting any significant defects, safety hazards, or areas that need repair or further evaluation. As a buyer, this information is invaluable in understanding any problems with the home prior to completing the purchase.
Why Home Inspections Are Crucial for Home Buyers in Arizona
There are a few key reasons why getting an Arizona home inspection is so important when buying a home:
Inform Your Purchase Decision
A home inspection gives buyers a clear, unbiased view of the property’s current condition before they finalize the transaction. Without this information, you won’t know if you’re buying a “lemon” that will require expensive repairs after moving in.
Protect Your Investment
Buying a home is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make. Ensure that investment is protected by having a home inspection so you know exactly what condition the home is in prior to purchase. This prevents unpleasant surprises later on.
Negotiate Repairs or Price
If issues are identified during the inspection, buyers can negotiate with the seller to either make repairs or lower the sale price to account for defects. This puts you in a much stronger negotiating position.
Learn About the Home’s Systems
Home inspectors educate buyers on the condition and remaining useful life of the home’s roof, foundation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other systems. This helps you budget appropriately for future repairs and replacements.
Avoid Costly Problems Later On
Finding issues prior to closing allows buyers to avoid much larger expenses down the road. Identifying roof leaks, faulty electrical, or other hazards ahead of time is much less costly than if those issues went unnoticed.
Obtain an Unbiased, Professional Opinion
Home inspectors only work for the buyers. They have no association with the seller or real estate agents involved. This unbiased perspective provides peace of mind.
What to Expect During an Arizona Home Inspection
Home inspections in Arizona generally take 2-3 hours to complete for a typical single-family home. The following steps are involved in the inspection process:
- The inspector will begin with examining the home’s exterior and roof. They will look for any issues with the gutters, siding, windows, doors, roof shingles, flashings, and more.
- They will evaluate any attached structures like garages or patios. The foundation and grading around the home are also inspected.
- Next they will enter the home and work room-by-room, starting with the living areas then moving to bedrooms and bathrooms. Visible walls, floors, doors, windows, ceilings, and built-ins are examined.
- The inspector will operate all plumbing fixtures, electrical switches and outlets, built-in appliances, HVAC systems, garage doors, and more. Any issues are noted.
- Crawl spaces, attics, and basements (if present) will be accessed to check insulation, ventilation, wiring, and structural components.
- Finally, the roof structure, electrical panels, furnace, water heater, and any other remaining areas are inspected.
Throughout the process, inspectors use specialized tools like moisture meters, outlet testers, and infrared cameras. They’ll be looking and checking for any signs of water damage, dry rot, pests, or other problems.
What’s Checked During a Home Inspection in Arizona?
A standard home inspection covers numerous systems and components. While scopes can vary slightly between inspectors, here are some of the major things covered:
Exterior – Roof, siding, windows, doors, decks, porches, driveway, walkways, drainage, grading
Structure – Foundation walls, framing, floors, ceilings, attic structure
Roofing – Roof coverings, flashings, penetrations, skylights, chimneys
Plumbing – Water lines, drain pipes, fixtures, water pressure, water heater, fuel lines
Electrical – Service panel, wiring, outlets, switches, lighting fixtures
Heating & Cooling – HVAC equipment, distribution, thermostats, vents
Insulation – Walls, attic floors, ducts
Ventilation – Attic, crawl spaces, kitchen, baths
Interiors – Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, built-ins, steps
Appliances – Built-in appliances like stoves, ovens, dishwashers
Why Get an Arizona Home Inspection from a Certified Inspector?
In Arizona, home inspectors are not required to hold any specific licenses or certifications to operate – anyone can call themselves an inspector. However, buyers should look for an inspector who has obtained professional certifications to ensure their qualifications and expertise:
ASHI Certification
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) offers recognized certifications that inspectors can earn by meeting experience requirements and passing comprehensive exams. ASHI-certified inspectors adhere to high standards and ethics.
InterNACHI Certification
A certification through InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) also indicates an inspector has met rigorous standards. InterNACHI credentials include rigorous testing.
NRS Certification
Some inspectors also attain a National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) certification specifically focused on testing for elevated radon levels. This is important in certain Arizona regions.
Continuing Education
Certified inspectors are also required to complete regular continuing education to stay current on inspection methods, technology, regulations, and more. This ensures they provide up-to-date information.
Working with a certified inspector provides confidence that the inspection will be thorough and professional, carried out by someone with verified training and expertise. Be sure to always verify an inspector’s certification before hiring them.
What Arizona Home Inspection Services Should Include
A standard home inspection report will contain an overview of the home’s condition along with detailed observations from the inspection process itself. Many inspectors also provide the following supplemental services:
- Infrared/thermal imaging to identity moisture issues or areas of insufficient insulation
- Radon testing to check for unsafe levels of this radioactive gas, which is common in some Arizona areas
- Water testing to analyze water for contaminants, especially in homes with wells
- Septic system inspection, including a check of tanks, drain field, pumps, pipes, and other components
- Swimming pool inspection that covers the pool shell, pumps, filters, electrical, safety features, drainage, and surrounds
- Mold tests if there are concerns about mold from leaks, flooding, or humidity
Some inspectors may also offer additional specialty testing for asbestos, lead paint, or other specific hazards. Know what’s included before the inspection so there are no surprises on the final bill.
What to Expect in an Arizona Home Inspection Report
The inspection report you receive should adhere to certain standards and provide detailed, helpful information:
- A summary page with basic home info, inspection details, and a general overview
- Thorough narrative descriptions of any issues or defects noted, along with accompanying photos
- Recommendations for any repairs, replacements, or upgrades needed
- Details on the condition of major systems like the roof, foundation, electrical, etc.
- Explanations of how certain components are intended to function when working properly
- A checklist of what areas/items were inspected
- An outline of any items exempt from or not included in the inspection
Reputable home inspectors follow a consistent template and use clear, easy-to-understand language in their reports. Be wary of any inspector who produces vague reports or who simply identifies problems without explaining their significance.
How Much Do Home Inspections Cost in Arizona?
In Arizona, home inspection fees typically range from $300 – $500+ depending on the size of the home, scope of services, and the inspector you choose. Additional services like radon or mold testing often cost over $100 extra per test. Be sure to get a firm price quote inclusive of all intended services to avoid surprises. Also check if additional costs apply for very large homes.
Many times, home inspectors offer discounts and deals. Ask about any current promotions, multi-service packages, or rebates to potentially lower your total inspection costs.
Why a Home Inspection Should Not Be Skipped
Given the risks, skipping a professional Arizona home inspection is extremely inadvisable. The consequences of discovering unattended problems after closing can be very costly. Many buyers also wrongly assume a home appraisal replaces an inspection – this is not the case. Appraisals are designed to evaluate market value rather than condition.
Don’t let the inspection fee dissuade you either. For just a few hundred dollars, a home inspection provides invaluable peace of mind and protects the huge investment you’re making. All things considered, a home inspection is always money well spent.
Finding the Right Arizona Home Inspector
Choosing the right home inspector means finding one who is experienced, certified, reputable, and professional. Look for an inspector who:
- Has years of experience specifically inspecting Arizona homes
- Holds respected certifications like ASHI, InterNACHI, or NRSB
- Has strong reviews and referrals from past Arizona real estate clients
- Provides detailed inspection reports with helpful photos and recommendations
- Uses high-quality tools and equipment during inspections
- Offers radon testing, thermal imaging, and other key services
- Maintains appropriate licensing and insurance coverage
- Returns calls and emails promptly and addresses your questions
- Sticks to quoted prices without expensive surprise add-ons
Take time to interview a few inspectors before deciding. Confirm certifications and read reviews from past clients to gain confidence in their expertise. Your Arizona home inspector should be thorough, responsive, and dedicated to protecting your best interests.
Don’t Skip the Home Inspection in Your Arizona Real Estate Purchase!
Purchasing a home, especially in Arizona, represents an enormous personal and financial commitment. But there’s no need to go in blind – a professional home inspection provides critical insight into the property’s condition and helps safeguard against expensive issues cropping up later on. They say information is power – so take the time to choose a reputable, certified home inspector who will deliver the vital information needed to make a savvy, informed home buying decision.