Home Inspection 101
What is a Home Inspection?
Visual
A home inspection is a visual examination of the home’s major structure, systems and components that are safely accessible.
Snapshot in Time
The home inspection is a snapshot in time. Conditions of a home can change radically in only a day or two, so a home inspection is not meant to guarantee what condition a home will be in when the transaction closes or after you move in
Why Have a Home Inspection?
Peace of Mind
Buying a home could be the largest purchase you will ever make. You will want to learn as much as you can about the home before you buy it to minimize unexpected surprises. A home inspection can identify the need for major repairs, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape.
After the inspection, you will know more about the home, which will allow you to make a confident buying decisions and give you peace of mind
What Does A Home Inspection Include?
- Structure
- Grounds & Exterior
- Roof Covering
- Plumbing System
- Electrical System
- HVAC System
- Interior
- Insulation & Ventilation
- Fireplaces & Stove
- Attached Garages & Carports
What’s Not Included in a Home Inspection?
Additional Tests
Radon, Asbestos*, Mold*, Wood Destroying Organisms*, Water Testing
*Items like asbestos, mold, and wood destroying organisms can be identified during the inspection as possible like substances. Without further lab testing or certifications these cannot be called out by name.
Additional Items
Low Voltage System, Sprinkler System, Swimming Pools & Spa, Guarantee or Warrant, Cosmetic or Design Issue, Code Compliance, Hidden Defects
How to Prepare for Your Home Inspection
Choose an Inspector
Not all home Inspectors are the same. Be sure to interview your inspector and ask about…
Certification, insurance, member of a trusted organization, what is included in their home inspection, etc.
Make sure the utilities are on
Be Present
This is your chance to learn about your new home. Ask questions, bring your concerns. It is a lot easier to understand what is going on with your new home when you are present.
What to Do Once You Have the Report?
Determine what’s important
No house is perfect. You are paying the inspector to find all the defects and receiving a 30+ page report can be overwhelming to sift through. Don’t worry, typically the majority of the report is full of maintenance items or relatively minor defects that can be taken care of over time.
You or the seller are not required to fix defects that are found during the home inspection. The report gives you the knowledge in advance of what to expect with buying this home. You don’t want to kill a deal over small things. However, if major problems are found, you can work with your broker to see if a seller may agree to make repairs.
Focus On
- Major Defects
- Items that can lead to major defects
- Items that may hinder your financing
- Major safety hazards