Buying a home or any kind of property is a big deal! And something to be excited about! For some it can be the biggest purchase they will ever make and that can leave you with an unsettling feeling, especially when you do not know about the process, what to expect, or the ins and outs of building components and systems. It is important to know the reasons to have an inspection done as well as what to expect. A home inspection is a visual examination of the home’s major structure, systems and components that are visible and safely accessible. An inspectors goal is not to crush dreams of owning that home that looks perfect at first glance. Their goal is to help dreams come true and provide information so that educated decisions can be made. An inspection is merely a tool which can give you confidence that the decision and the pricing is right, and can help get you in the house that you’ll love.
Choosing an inspection company
When you make the decision to get a home inspection, whether it be as a home buyer, seller, or owner, you should research inspectors and inspection companies to make sure that they are licensed, certified, and insured. Inspectors are required to have continuing education and abide by their state specific laws and regulations. The most professional and knowledgeable inspectors carry many certifications that may be listed on their website, social media business page, or local ads. A simple google search of “home inspectors” or “home inspection service” in your area can lead to the inspectors or companies that service your area.
BEFORE
After deciding which inspection company you want to go with, a price, date, and services to be provided will be discussed. Inspectors will likely provide a copy or point you to a link where you can review the Standards of Practice. The standards of practice outline the scope of a home inspection, and what is covered or not covered. Some inspectors go beyond the requirements of a home inspection, For example, it is not required to walk upon any roof surface, although, it may be necessary to walk the roof if the inspector is able to do so safely, to get an accurate observation of the surface and roof penetrations. Many inspectors stick to the SOP’s and only do what is required, which may lower the inspectors liability. There are also inspectors that go beyond the SOP’s because it is in the benefit of the client and they can represent better the condition of the property and systems. A pre-inspection agreement will be provided by the inspector to establish limitations of the home inspection as well as terms and conditions in case litigation was to arise.
DURING
After the terms of the inspection are established and the pre inspection agreement is signed, the inspection will begin on the date decided upon. It is recommended, especially at Greenline Inspection Services, that the client be present for the home inspection. The client can walk with the inspector, ask questions about components and systems, and learn about the property they may possibly purchase. This also gives them the advantage of being able to understand the inspector’s findings which will make reading and understanding the report much easier. During the inspection, the inspector will visually inspect the site, grounds, and grading around the house. The exterior and interior of the home will be inspected. The roof, crawlspace, and all systems including hvac, electrical, and plumbing will be inspected. Depending on the terms of the inspection, the client may also request the inspection of any detached structures including barns, outbuildings, and garages. There are also several ancillary services that must be agreed upon prior to the inspection including pools, lead, mold, in-depth chimney inspections, radon, and many more. Depending on what is to be inspected and the size and condition of the property, the normal duration of a home inspection is around 3-5 hrs.
AFTER
After the inspection is complete the inspector will complete the home inspection report which details any potential issues, defects, as well as pictures. For people who are unfamiliar with building structures, their components, and systems, it could really pay off in the long run to have a professional inspection of the property. Cosmetic issues such as faded paint, color of carpeting, or the fact that the kitchen needs updated are of low importance. The factors that can play the biggest part and be the most damaging to the client are material defects such as foundation, roof, or system problems and can be very expensive to repair or replace.
A home inspection and knowing what to expect can really help to ease the clients mind and they may walk away from it feeling more confident about the condition, the process, and pricing then before they walked in.