Home Inspections

The purchase of a home is one of the largest single investments that buyers will make in their lifetime.

The buyer should learn as much possible about the condition of the property and the need for any repairs before the purchase is made. This will eliminate or reduce surprises of home ownership. The inspection also points out the positive aspects of the home as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep the house in good condition. A home inspection is recommended to buyers of real property to visually review the condition of all the major systems of the house and alert the buyer of any significant problems before the ownership is transferred to the buyer.

It is highly recommended that the buyer be present during the home inspection so that the inspector can point out potential problem areas. The buyer will become familiar with how the house was built and maintained, the inspector will identify major problems and estimate any repairs or upgrades that may be needed and to learn how to prevent future problems. The buyer will be able to understand the home inspection report better if the buyer is familiar with the house.

Inspector's Report

The standard home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's interior plumbing and electrical systems, control of water and termites or carpenter ants, appliances, the roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation and visible structure.

The buyer usually pays for the inspection. It is recommended that the inspection be ordered as soon as the Earnest Money agreement is in escrow. The buyer is advised to make the purchase subject to a home inspection report. The buyer should be able to cancel the contract if the inspection report is not acceptable to the buyer.

If the inspection does reveal problems, it does not mean that the buyer should not buy the home. The buyer is now aware of what problems there may be and is aware of what he is buying. No house is perfect and there will probably be flaws to the home. The question is whether the buyer can live with the defects and whether the defects are major or minor. The buyer may be able to adjust the offer price based on what needs to be repaired according to the inspection report and how much the repairs will cost. The home inspector may not give an estimate of the repairs needed and a contractor will need to give an estimate.

What is Inspected?

1. Structural components
   1. Foundations
   2. Floors
   3. Walls
   4. Columns
   5. Ceilings
   6. Roofs
2. Describe the type of
   1. Foundation
   2. Floor structure
   3. Wall structure
   4. Columns
   5. Ceiling structure
   6. Roof structure
3. Probe structural components where deterioration is suspected. Probing is not required when probing would damage any finished surface.
4. Enter underfloor crawl spaces and attic spaces except where access is obstructed, when entry could damage the property or there are dangerous or adverse conditions.
5. Report signs of water penetration into the building.
6. Report signs of termite or carpenter ant damage.
7. Report any repairs that appear to have been made and condition of the repairs.
8. Test appliances and outlets.
9. Check windows and doors.
10. Test the plumbing fixtures.
11. Check the electrical fixtures.