A home inspection, performed by a trained and certified inspector, will provide you with valuable information about the condition of the home you are about to purchase. It can also be very helpful to have a professional inspection done on a house you are preparing to sell, as you can identify potential problem areas and take care of before you market your house. The following information is edited from a report by Brian Connelly of Inspection Services in Rock Hill, SC. Brian is a certified home inspector. More information can be found at his website.
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. It is a physical “check-up” for a home. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation. The following information should give you a better understanding of exactly what your inspector should (and should not) do for you during the course of a home inspection.
First and foremost, an inspection is a visual survey of those easily accessible areas that an inspector can clearly see. No destructive testing or dismantling is done during the course of an inspection, hence an inspector can only tell a client exactly what was clearly in evidence at the time and date of the inspection. The inspectors eyes are not any better than the buyers, except that the inspector is trained to look for specific tell-tale signs and clues that may lead to the discovery of actual or potential defects or deficiencies.
Many inspectors belong to national inspection organizations such as NACHI, ASHI, and NAHI. These national organizations provide guidelines for inspectors to perform their inspections. Make sure that you as a consumer ask your inspector about his/her credentials and affiliations.
According to Industry Standards, the inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. The inspector is NOT required to inspect some items, such as private water and sewer systems, solar systems, security systems, etc. However, the inspector may provide additional inspection services (typically for an extra fee), if the client requests. Some of these additional services may include wood-boring insect inspection, radon testing, well and septic inspections, and a variety of environmental testing. Be sure to discuss these extra services ahead of time so the inspector can bring the proper equipment and/or a qualified specialist.
The average time for an inspection on a typical 3-bedroom home usually takes 1.5-2.5 hours, depending upon the number of bathrooms, kitchens, fireplaces, attics, etc., that have to be inspected. You should accompany the inspector through the house, so that he can answer questions and explain findings as he goes along. The inspector should provide a complete written report as well.
Four key areas of most home/building inspections cover the exterior, the basement or crawlspace areas, the attic or crawlspace areas and the living areas. Inspectors typically will spend sufficient time in all of these areas to visually look for a host of red flags, telltale clues and signs or defects and deficiencies. As the inspector completes a system, major component or area, he/she will then discuss the findings with the clients.
After the inspection, you should know the positive and negative aspects of the condition of the home you are purchasing, what repairs are needed (as well as the urgency of those repairs), and if there are any safety issues that need immediate attention. Your real estate agent will assist in communicating necessary repairs to the sellers so that any issues can be promptly handled.
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