What is a Home Inspection?
October 12th, 2007 Categories: Buying
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of the house. It should be performed by a professional Home Inspector trained and dedicated to the profession. The purpose of the home inspection is to assist the buyers in making an informed decision concerning the property they plan to purchase. It will bring the buyers dreams face to face with the reality that no house is perfect and all homes require regular maintenance. It should also be understood that the inspection is visual (if a problem is hidden in the walls the inspector can’t see it) and it is not technically exhaustive. It is kind of like going to your family doctor, if he sees something of concern he is likely to send you to a specialist for further evaluation.
So how do you know what will be checked on a typical home inspection? Many years ago the American Society of Home Inspectors, ASHI, developed the standards for a home inspection. These standards can be viewed at www.ashi.org. Other home inspector organizations have also developed standards but all are very close to the ASHI standards. Briefly, the standards dictate that the inspector inspect the Structure, Exterior, Roofing, Plumbing, Electrical, Heating, Air Conditioning, Interiors, Insulation & Ventilation and Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances. The standards require that the inspector report on systems that are not functioning properly, are significantly deficient, unsafe or near the end of their service lives.
Buyers may want to consider additional tests or inspections that are not generally covered in a standard home inspection. Environmental concerns such as Radon Gas, Lead Paint, Asbestos and Mold can be assessed by having samples evaluated by a qualified laboratory or special equipment. Many home inspectors can offer these services but almost always at an additional cost. Other inspections to consider are Wood Destroying Organisms (termite), Sprinkler systems, Stucco intrusive moisture inspections, and energy audits. It is also a good idea to have all the gas/oil burning appliances inspected and adjusted for safe and efficient operation.
The Home Inspection is a major part of the buyers due diligence to assess the condition of the house. The buyer should select a reputable inspector and expect a professional report to assist them with their decisions concerning the purchase of the house. Many unpleasant surprises can be avoided with a good Home Inspection.
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[…] They also do a basic inspection (NOT to be used instead of a professional home inspection). They will indicate the overall appearance and note if there are utilities and the property appears to be in a normal condition for the area. An appraiser can require that certain items be certified by a licensed professional such as a roof if the roof looks suspect or evidence of electrical malfunctions, then they can ask for an electrical certification. […]
Hello
I really enjoyed reading your blog. I believe a home inspector is very important when it comes to making one of the biggest investment of your life. when me and my wife were buying a house, we had it inspected by http://www.homeinspectionspecialist.com . the inspection lasted a few hours and a couple of hundred dollars, but the information about the house was so detailed and clear that their reoprt gave us a better picture on what kind of house we were getting into. We got a clear picture of the electric, plumbing, structutral, roof, HVAC, foundation and more.. its like you wouldnt buy a used car without having a mechanic inspect it,right? By the way, not all inspection company are the same, i did my home work and found a company that was certified ,trained and followed ASHI standards of practice. keep up the great blog.
Jessica freeman