Home inspections are:
An evaluation of the visible and accessible components of a home (electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, roof, structure and etc.). It is intended to give the buyer and/or seller a better understanding of the general condition of the home. Typically the buyer requests an inspection of a home they are serious about buying. An inspection is not an appraisal of the home, it is designed to uncover any serious and/or expensive repair defects that the seller or buyer may not be aware of.
Is There a Difference Between a Pre-listing and a Pre-purchase Home Inspection?
A pre-listing home inspection is often conducted before the seller places the home on sale. It is done to help identify possible issues that may hinder the sale. A pre-purchase inspection is conducted within seven to ten days after making an offer on a home. The purpose of a pre-purchase inspection is to inform the buyer of possible issues that the buyer may wish to address with the seller.
If the Home Inspector Finds a Problem, is the Seller Responsible for the Repairs?
The inspection report does not automatically place the obligation on the seller to make repairs to every issue in the report. After receiving the report, the seller and buyer may choose to sit down and discuss the findings. The report will specify what is a serious repair and what is an improvement. Both areas can then be negotiated between the seller and the buyer.
What Kind of Report Do You Get After the Inspection and What is it Used For?
The home inspector will provide you with a detailed report, which may be several pages long. The report will also include pictures of any issues that need to be addressed. The report can be used for a number of things, such as a checklist for contractors to make improvements and/or repairs, to get estimates from more than one contractor, and as a home seller, the report can be used to make improvements and repairs that may raise the value of the home.
What is Included in a home inspection?
The inspector will follow a standardized checklist that typically includes various areas of the home, including:
Steps and Stairs (interior and exterior)
Handrails (interior and exterior)
Driveway
Masonry
Roofing, chimney, flashing, eaves, fascias, soffits and attic
Crawlspace, foundation, and basement
Garage
Walls, windows, and doors
Kitchen and laundry appliances
Plumbing fixtures and systems
Electrical system
Smoke detectors
HVAC
Fireplace
Gas line
We also perform Home Owner‘s Maintenance Inspections
Do Newly Constructed Homes Need a Home Inspection?
Yes, newly constructed homes also need a home inspection to determine if there are any issues, such as builder negligence that may be overlooked. The inspection will include things, such as water lines, plumbing lines, sewer lines and etc.
It is vital the actual home buyer be present during the inspection. Please remember as a home inspector I work for my client and my client only.