Home Inspection Basics

• A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of a residential dwelling
• It is performed for a fee, and adheres to accepted industry standards
• Home inspections are typically conducted when a home is being sold
• The purpose of a home inspection is to identify and disclose observable material defects within a house
• A material defect is a specific problem with a system or component of a residential property
• It may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property
• It may pose an unreasonable risk to people
• The scope of a home inspection is limited to the readily accessible and visually observable components of a home

Key Components of a Home Inspection:

• Exterior:
  • The inspector examines the exterior walls, including siding, trim, and flashing
  • The inspector examines the roof covering, vents, flashings, and trim
  • The inspector examines the gutters and downspouts for proper drainage
  • The inspector examines the walkways, patios, and decks
  • The inspector examines the grading of the property and the foundation
• Interior:
  • The inspector examines the interior walls, ceilings, and floors
  • The inspector examines the windows and doors
  • The inspector examines the stairways and railings
  • The inspector examines the kitchen and bathrooms, including the plumbing fixtures
  • The inspector examines the basement or crawl space for moisture, structural issues, and proper ventilation
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC):
  • The inspector examines the heating system, including the furnace, heat pump, or boiler
  • The inspector examines the cooling system, including the air conditioner or heat pump
  • The inspector examines the ductwork and ventilation systems
  • The inspector examines the thermostat
• Plumbing:
  • The inspector examines the water supply system, including the pipes, faucets, and fixtures
  • The inspector examines the drain, waste, and vent system
  • The inspector examines the water heater
  • The inspector examines the sump pump (if present)
• Electrical:
  • The inspector examines the electrical panel and wiring
  • The inspector examines the outlets and switches
  • The inspector examines the lighting fixtures
  • The inspector examines the grounding system

Limitations of a Home Inspection:

• Home inspections are not technically exhaustive
• Home inspections do not identify concealed or latent defects
• Home inspections do not determine the market value of the property
• Home inspections do not determine the suitability of the property for a specific use
• Home inspections do not guarantee that the property is free from defects in the future
• Home inspections do not include specialized testing or inspections, such as radon testing, mold testing, or asbestos testing

Standards of Practice:

• Home inspectors typically follow established standards of practice
• These standards define the scope of the inspection
• These standards outline the procedures for conducting the inspection
• These standards specify the content of the inspection report
• Common standards are from organizations such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) and InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)

The Inspection Report:

• The home inspector provides a written report to the client
• The report summarizes the findings of the inspection
• The report identifies any material defects observed
• The report provides recommendations for repair or further evaluation
• The report typically includes photographs to illustrate the findings
• The report is not a guarantee or warranty

Benefits of a Home Inspection:

• It provides buyers with valuable information about the condition of the property
• It helps buyers make informed decisions about purchasing the property
• It may help buyers negotiate a lower purchase price or request repairs from the seller
• It gives sellers an opportunity to identify and address any issues before listing the property
• It reduces the risk of unexpected expenses for both buyers and sellers

Choosing a Home Inspector:

• Look for a qualified and experienced home inspector
• Verify the inspector's credentials and certifications
• Check for membership in professional organizations
• Read online reviews and ask for referrals
• Confirm that the inspector carries adequate insurance
• Review the inspector's sample report
• Ask about the inspector's experience with similar properties

Common Issues Found During Home Inspections:

• Roof damage (leaks, missing shingles, improper flashing)
• Foundation cracks or settling
• Water damage (leaks, moisture intrusion, mold growth)
• Electrical problems (faulty wiring, overloaded circuits)
• Plumbing issues (leaks, corrosion, inadequate water pressure)
• HVAC system deficiencies (inefficient operation, lack of maintenance)
• Pest infestations (termites, rodents)
• Structural problems (damaged framing, sagging floors)

What Happens After the Inspection:

• The buyer reviews the inspection report with their real estate agent
• The buyer may request the seller to make repairs or provide a credit
• The buyer may renegotiate the purchase price based on the inspection findings
• The buyer may choose to proceed with the purchase, even with identified issues
• The buyer may choose to terminate the purchase agreement if the issues are too significant
• It is recommended to consult with qualified contractors or specialists for further evaluation or repairs

Home Inspection vs. Appraisal:

• A home inspection assesses the condition of the property
• An appraisal determines the market value of the property
• Inspections are typically performed for the buyer's benefit
• Appraisals are typically required by lenders for financing purposes
• While an inspector looks for defects, an appraiser compares the property to similar properties in the area

New Construction Inspections:

• Home inspections are not limited to existing homes
• New construction inspections can identify issues before they become major problems
• New construction inspections can ensure that the home was built to code
• There are typically several inspections during the construction process, but a final inspection by a qualified inspector is recommended

Maintaining Your Home After the Inspection:

• Address any issues identified in the inspection report promptly
• Perform regular maintenance to prevent future problems
• Keep gutters clean and free of debris
• Monitor for leaks and moisture intrusion
• Inspect the roof regularly for damage
• Service the HVAC system annually
• Maintain proper ventilation in the attic and crawl space