WHAT IS A “HOME INSPECTION”?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of readily accessible areas of the home. It is meant to give the buyer an overview of the age, condition & adequacy of the major structural & mechanical components that make up the home. (Including structural systems, roofing heating, cooling, plumbing, & electrical systems, as well as the interior & exterior of the home.) Some firms also include a termite inspection as part of the home inspection. This can save a home buyer from paying an exterminator a separate fee for the termite inspection.
A home inspection is an in-depth visual examination of the physical structure, systems, and components of a home. It is not an appraisal that tells you what the home is worth or a code compliance audit: an inspection will basically tell you what is wrong with the property as many of the good points! If you are thinking of buying a home, condo, townhouse, or duplex, you should have it properly inspected before final purchase by an experienced and impartial inspector.
A professional home inspection is an impartial, third-party, visual evaluation of a property. A home inspector performs a visual inspection by looking for and identifying signs of problems, defects or deferred maintenance in a home. Home inspectors are generalists, similar to family practice doctors. They see lots of homes and are able to make experienced observations based on other homes of similar age and condition. When problems are discovered, specialists are recommended to further evaluate the problem in question.
A home inspection is a comprehensive visual examination of the home’s overall structure, major systems and components. A properly trained home inspector will review your house as a system, looking at how one component of the house might affect the operability or lifespan of another. Components that are not performing properly should be identified, as well as items that are beyond their useful life or are unsafe. The purpose of the home inspection is to provide the client with a better understanding of the property conditions, as observed at the time of the inspection.
A home inspection is a thorough examination of a property’s structure and relevant existing systems including: heating and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical, roof, attic, insulation, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, basement and foundation. If you are selling, it is an excellent idea to schedule a home inspection prior to listing your home because then you will be aware of any problems that may come up if/when the buyer performs their own home inspection. You finding problems before listing your home can mean the difference between a clean sale and accusations of misrepresentation, low offers and even lawsuits. Whether or not you decide to remediate any items that might come up in the home inspection, you will at least be aware of potential negotiating points the buyer may use as leverage when making an offer.
