An Overview of Home Inspections. Why Home Inspections are essential for a successful home ownership.

1. An Overview of Home Inspections Presented By Rick Michalicek ASHI Certified Inspector ASHI #246060 Moore Home Inspection Services, LLC (314) 727-6868

2. What is a Home Inspection? Wikipedia says: "A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. This is usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares a written report, often using home inspection software, and delivers it to a client, typically the home buyer. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase… "

3. There are many types of inspections… Pre-Purchase Inspections (most common) Pre-Listing Inspections Follow Up Inspections New Construction Inspections Bank/Insurance Company Inspections Single Component Inspections (e.g. roof only) Disaster/FEMA Inspections Municipal (occupancy) Inspections

4. Additional Services Often Provided by Inspection Companies… Wood Destroying Pest Inspections (termite) Radon Gas Testing Home Energy Auditing Lead, Mold and Asbestos Testing (by laboratory) Structural Engineering Services Septic Tank Inspections Sewer Lateral Inspections (video) Water or Air Quality Assessments Neighborhood Environmental History Geotechnical or Soil Evaluations

5. What’s Typically Covered During a Home Inspection? EXTERIOR ELEMENTS - Above grade walls, exposed foundation, trim, etc. GROUNDS - Landscaping, flatwork, site grading, stoops/decks/porches, etc. GARAGES/CARPORTS - Garage or carport structure, slabs, firewalls and doors ROOF - Roof coverings, chimneys, exposed flashings and guttering systems KITCHEN - Counters, cabinets, sinks, ventilation and installed appliances BATHROOMS - Sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers and ventilation INTERIOR ELEMENTS – Walls, ceilings, doors, floors, windows, stairwells, etc. PLUMBING - Main services, supply lines, waste lines and water heaters HEATING/COOLING – Fuel system, furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, etc. ELECTRICAL – Main services, panels, branch wiring, switches, outlets, etc. STRUCTURAL – Slab-on-grade, crawl spaces, foundations, basement floors, beams, columns, floor joists, attic structures, etc.

6. Timing & Delivery of Reports Here’s what you can expect for the timing and delivery of an inspection report… - Inspections typically last between 2 and 3 hours - Some reports are delivered on-site, others are not * - In today’s market, most reports are supplied through e-mail, web download or on a disc * Be cautious of “checklist” style reports and reports which are delivered too quickly (on-site). You may not be getting the most for your money!

7. When is a Home Inspection Typically Performed? For a traditional pre-purchase situation: - AFTER THE REAL ESTATE CONTRACT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED - DURING THE ALOTTED INSPECTON PERIOD (usually 10 days) - BEFORE CLOSING ON THE HOUSE Don’t wait too late to call an inspector! Schedules can fill up fast!

8. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) - Oldest and most respected professional home inspector organization in the U.S. - The most stringent standards and requirements in the industry - More real estate professionals ask for and promote ASHI Certified Home Inspectors than any other organization Go to www.ashi.org for more details on ASHI. See a list of local ASHI inspectors at www.stlashi.org

9. Keep in mind…Price isn’t everything! Your about to make perhaps the largest purchase decision in your life. It is highly recommended that you NOT choose your inspector based solely on pricing! $ $ $ Check his references…Ask for a sample report… Check with the Better Business Bureau…Check his qualifications and associations (like ASHI)…Once this is completed, then choose the best value.

10. So, do home buyers really need a Home Inspection? That’s a fair question… But let’s consider the following real situations which we recently uncovered for our clients…

11. Looks like a nice house with a fairly modern electric panel…

12. Upon closer inspection, the panel has been scorched/melted and will need replacing A new electric panel can cost well over $1000.00!

13. This is a cute house with a nice rear addition on the back…

14. …But the crawl space below the addition will need extensive repairs to correct a major moisture problem! The repair bill was over $7000.00!

15. Here’s a cute house with a fairly new roof…

16. Too bad it was installed improperly and is already damaged… Damage at front edge Roof pitch too low for shingles This repair will likely exceed $1000.00!

17. Thank you for your time. ANY QUESTIONS?