Your Ohio Home Inspector

I recently asked Anthony Perry with APS home inspection service, A recognized home inspector in Lakewood Ohio a few questions I thought my readers and the public might ask regarding home inspections. He was more than happy to share his answers to these questions. Anthony Perry has been a licensed home inspector serving all Northeast Ohio suburbs and Cleveland for many years. He inspects everything from residential homes to large commercial buildings. He's extremely knowledgeable and just an all around nice guy. Thanks Anthony, (Tony) for your responses!

What is the main reason a home buyer should have a home inspection? The main reason is to reveal any issues that might become problems. These problems could be very costly and it could save them from buying a home that will cost them in the end more than the house is really worth.

What are the main negative issues of a home you see after you're done with your home inspection? Most of the issues are electrical, plumbing, roofing, basement moisture, foundation settlement and heating.

What do you see as the most positive things in homes after your inspections? The most positive items are to find that the home is a safe home. Smoke and Carbon monoxide detectors should be in every home and make sure it is mold and radon compliant.

What do home buyers ask you the most and what are their biggest concerns? The biggest concerns are what repairs are needed, what will cost be to do the repairs and how do they take care of the problems.

Is there ever a time a home buyer shouldn't have a home inspection? No. If the buyer really likes the home and wants to proceed with the purchase, a home inspection should be completed.

What's the funniest thing you've ever encountered while doing an inspection? The funniest thing that ever happened was when I opened the side garage door and the garage tilted 2" to the right. Then I went into the same home and found that a skunk had fallen down the chimney and had been there for a couple of years.

What are your fees and how long does it take? Most fee's average $250.00 to $350.00 per inspection depending on the inspection company. A home inspection will take on from 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The main thing is to get all of the questions that you have answered so that you really know the home and feel comfortable with your purchase. I have seen where I have been at the home for 5 hours just to help the buyer with their concerns.

What a buyer or seller have their Realtor present during a home inspection if so why and if not why? Honestly the Realtor should be at the inspection. The Realtor needs to know what the problems are with the home to advise their client on the way to deal with the findings of the inspection. I feel a Realtor needs to know the problem area's of the home and see it first hand. It goes back to the old saying, "Know Your Product" before you sell it.

Is there anything else you think our readers should know about having a home inspection? Yes. Take the time to make sure your inspector is certified and will check every area of the home. Most inspectors will identify even small items and this is to protect the buyer. Sellers should have a pre-listing inspection for disclosure information and to help them identify and repair items before the sale. Buyer should purchase a home warranty to cover future repairs on appliances, plumbing, heating and air conditioning. Remember that a home inspector can tell you if the equipment is working properly and condition at the time of inspection but not for the future. The best of all equipment can break down at anytime.

If you're in need of a home inspector to check out your home for sale of if you're going to be buying a home or building, let us know and we'll connect you with the best. You can also learn more about having an inspection on our Home Inspections page.

Anthony Perry
APS Home Inspections
216-544-9322