CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Millions of people across the country are feeling the pain of neglecting to get a thorough home inspection before they purchase their home. Millions more regret not getting general maintenance home inspections every 3-8 years to address minor issues before they become major problems, according to Kaplan Professional Schools’ Inspection Training Associates, which educates new and current home inspectors. When the housing market was more robust, buyers were pressured to make “no contingency” offers to compete with other anxious bidders. Now, no longer the hostages of sellers, buyers are empowered and demanding home inspections before they invest in a home. “Getting a professional home inspection can save buyers, sellers and homeowners headaches and thousands of dollars,” said Michael Casey, Vice President & General Manager of Kaplan Professional Schools’ Inspection Training Associates. Counting on Uncle Harry, or one’s own experience is no substitute for a thorough home inspection. Roof problems, structural issues visible in attics, crawlspaces and basements, and complex electrical issues are just a few of the common conditions identified by well trained professional inspectors. Moisture intrusion and related problems if left undetected can lead to significant structural damage and mold. In addition, more and more sellers are realizing that getting a home inspection before putting their house on the market can help avoid many issues that may arise as the result of a buyer’s inspection - which always comes at an inopportune time in the transaction. “Listing inspections” help ensure a smoother sale of the home. Home inspectors will tell you that the bulk of the conditions they see that often lead to expensive repairs are due to deferred maintenance. By getting a home inspection every five years or after significant remodeling or landscaping projects, homeowners can identify potential problems before they turn into major disasters, leaving the homeowner and his or her family stressed out, concerned about their health – and faced with mounting bills for getting the problem fixed. About Kaplan Professional Schools Kaplan Professional Schools, a Kaplan Professional company, provides licensing and continuing education for the real estate (commercial and residential), appraisal, home inspection, mortgage, contractor, insurance and financial services industries. Kaplan Professional Schools is a division of Kaplan, Inc., a global education firm and a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). With more than 50 locations, Kaplan Professional Schools offers both classroom and distance education to help students earn their state certifications. Kaplan’s instructors are the leaders in their field, with many years of industry and teaching experience. Distance education courses include textbook correspondence and online learning.
