Home Inspection

Congratulations!! You've chosen your dream home. What now? The next step is... to get your home inspected. This is one of the most important things you should do when you buy a home. It is your right to know that the property you're planning to purchase is in good condition and what potential issues may be pending or have recently been fixed.

A home inspection will provide you a detailed report of the state and condition of the house to the best of the home inspector's knowledge and professional scope. The report may also contain any potential issues that need to be considered. A home inspection might reveal major problems with a home as well as some minor issues that are easily corrected. Buying a house is a major decision, so you have to make sure that you are making a sound investment. 

Most people aren't trained to really check into the condition of the house, a professional home inspector can give you the information necessary to make the proper decision before you buy. An inspector will go everything in the home from the foundation to the rooftop. Here is an example of a Home Inspection Checklist, please note that additional inspections or engineering report may be required based on the findings during the home inspection:

Structural Elements 

- Construction of walls, ceilings floors roof and foundation.

Exterior Evaluation

- Wall Covering, landscaping, grading, elevation, drainage, driveways, fences, sidewalks, fascia, trim, doors, windows, lights and exterior receptacles.

Roof and Attic

- Framing, ventilation, type of roof construction, flashing and gutters. It does not include a guarantee of roof condition nor a roof certification.

Plumbing

- Identification, of pipe materials used for potable, drain, waste and vent pipes - including condition. Toilets, showers, sinks, faucets and traps. It does not include a sewer inspection.

Systems and Components.

- Water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning, duct work, chimney, fireplace and sprinklers.

Electrical

- Main panel, circuit breakers, type of wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, receptacles, ceiling fans and light fixtures.

Appliances

- Dishwasher, range and oven, built-in microwaves, garbage disposal and smoke detectors.

Garage

- Slab, walls, ceilings, vents, entry, firewall, garage door, openers, lights, receptacles, exterior, windows and roof.

A home buyer is not required by law to escort the home inspector during inspection, but you may find it educational to do so. You'll be able to ask questions about the home and its condition.

It is important to remember that no house is perfect. Every home will have some issues to investigate. When a report comes back with problems, you have the right to turn the house down. But it may be wise to negotiate with the seller to lower the asking price or ask him/her to make repairs before you purchase the home. Having your home inspected will definitely save you time and money and a lot of potential frustrations in the future.

If you need to know more about inspection or if you need a professional home inspector, please contact me for a list of reputable companies.