What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an assessment of a house and property. The purpose of the inspection is to determine the current condition of the various systems and structures of the home.
A home inspection is:
- Visual - A home inspector evaluates the property based on what is visible at the time
of the inspection. A variety of factors may limit visibility.
- Objective - Home inspectors are a neutral party in a real estate transaction. They
provide an honest, unbiased opinion.
- Thorough - The inspector will evaluate inside and outside, top to bottom. The average
inspection lasts 2 to 3 hours.
- Professional - Home inspectors are trained, licensed, and experienced. They have
tools to do the job right.
A home inspection is NOT:
- A Guarantee - The inspector is only able to identify the current condition of the
property, not guarantee future performance.
- An Appraisal ‾ The inspector will not provide a market value for the property or offer
an opinion about whether to purchase it or not.
- Technically Exhaustive - A home inspector gives a general checkup for the property.
Specialists may be required to provide further analysis.
- A Warranty - Real estate agents can provide information about home warranty
programs.
Benefits of a Home Inspection
Home owners and prospective home owners benefit and receive peace of mind from the home inspection process by receiving the unbiased viewpoint and opinions of the inspector in the form of a detailed written report. This information is invaluable in making an educated decision regarding the sale or purchase of the home.
A home inspection can also help estimate the remaining useful life of various aspects of the property. The home inspector rates each component of the home using the following system:
- Satisfactory = Item is functionally consistent with its original purpose but may show signs of normal wear and tear and deterioration
- Marginal = Item will probably require repair or replacement sometime within the next 5 years
- Poor = Item will need repair or replacement now or in the very near future
This rating system helps home owners plan ahead for repairs and budget accordingly for replacement of equipment.
The home inspector also identifies potential safety hazards that need to be addressed for the well being of your family.
Scope of Inspection
The end product of a home inspection is a written report detailing over 100 different aspects of the house, garage, and property. This report describes the various aspect of the home including, but not limited to, the following components:
Foundation and Structure
- Foundation walls and floor
- Girders, beams, columns
- Symptoms of shifting or settling
- Evidence of water penetration
- Attic and insulation
Exterior
- Sidewalks, driveways
- Porches, patios, decks, balconies
- Roofs and roof coverings
- Chimneys
- Gutters and drainage system
- Siding and trim
- Windows
Interior
- Walls, floors, ceilings
- Sinks, tubs, showers, toilets
- Doors and windows
- Plumbing pipes and fixtures
- Electrical wiring and receptacles
- Fireplaces
Mechanical Equipment
- Water heaters
- Furnaces and boilers
- Air conditioners and heat pumps
- Electrical panels and sub panels
- Sump pumps
- Kitchen appliances
