What are home inspection agreements?
Before getting a home inspection, the client must look over and sign off on a home inspection agreement. What is a home inspection agreement? Why is it important, and why should you be sure to read it?
Especially if this is your first home inspection, or you’re using a new home inspector, the agreement is key to you understanding what you are getting when you get a home inspection. There are many misconceptions about a home inspection. It’s not an appraisal. It’s not required by law, but it is incredibly valuable. A home inspector won’t go busting down doors or breaking up walls to inspect. A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive examination of a home. Inspectors won’t go anywhere that doesn’t have an access point. They also can’t give you specialized advice. Instead, they can identify areas that need further professional attention. A home inspection can tell you a lot, but they can’t predict every issue a house may have, nor can they be held liable for what they find or don’t find.
This is, in essence, what a home inspection agreement is for. It’s about giving you a clear idea of what an inspection can and can’t do and what to expect in order to manage your expectations. It clears the inspector of certain liabilities and makes sets the boundaries of the inspection.
What is in a home inspection agreement?
By reading and agreeing to the home inspection agreement, you and the inspector are setting the terms for their service so you can both be satisfied. You can read more on the general standards of practice for inspectors here. As you look over a home inspection agreement, here are some key things you may find:
Scheduled date of the inspection
The price of the inspection and when it will be paid (before or after the inspection). This may also include additional fees for any additional features that are being inspected, like a guesthouse.
A list of what will be covered, aka the scope of the inspection. At Forever Home Inspection, we adhere to the InterNachi Standards of Practice.
What will not be covered or tested. For example, in the InterNachi agreement, it states that inspections, unless otherwise written, do not test for radon or mold. The agreement will also make it clear that a home inspector may choose not to inspect something if there is a reasonable threat to their safety, such as a roof they cannot safely walk on, or a crawlspace that looks inaccessible.
A statement about how the inspection is not intended to determine the insurability, market value, or suitability of the property.
Legalese related to home inspectors not being liable for any overlooked issues with a house, and dispute resolution if the client has a claim against the inspector. It may be worded something like this: “We assume no liability for the cost of repair or replacement of unreported defects, either current or arising in the future” (InterNachi).
Who will receive the inspection report and its confidentiality.
While it’s recommended all clients sign their own inspection agreement, in certain cases they can authorize their real estate agent to sign it for them. Whether the client is able to sign it or not, they should certainly read over it.
Choose Forever Home for your home inspection
Forever Home Inspection founders and owners Lance and Brit Coffman
Forever Home Inspection is a family-owned, multi-inspector home inspection company that serves both Oklahoma and Iowa. Forever Home has gained a reputation in the industry for excellence across the board, from our personable and knowledgable inspectors to our tireless admin team. We are a preferred vendor for Real Producers and the choice of some of Oklahoma and Iowa’s top Realtors. But most importantly, we have the respect of our clients, who are the center of everything we do. We were founded on the idea of helping customers find their “forever home,” and every day, we do just that.
