Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A HOME INSPECTION?
A home inspection is an objective visual analysis of a home's structure and systems. An inspection will determine the problem areas of a home, as well as items that are beyond their useful life. Inspections include areas of the home's interior and exterior, from the roof to the foundation and the exterior drainage and retaining walls. If a problem area is observed, the inspector may recommend further evaluation of the component in question. A home inspection is a visual inspection to determine problems or conditions that exist at the time of the inspection. A home inspection is not a warranty. A warranty can be obtained separately.
WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
The purchase of a home is one of the largest purchases you will make. It is important that you know as much as possible about this purchase. A home inspector is trained to be able to evaluate the home in detail and give you a report that will allow you to make an educated decision about purchasing the home. An inspection report will describe the home in detail and will highlight the areas that are problems. A home inspection can be beneficial if you are considering selling your home or needing to determine problem areas in your home that need attention. Many homeowners are living in homes that have serious problems that if identified early can save considerable repair costs. Water leaks can cause serious and costly problems, but if they are caught early can be repaired at little cost. A home inspection will also give you an outline of the routine maintenance that needs to be done to the home. Home sellers will want an inspection to find problems that a buyer's inspection would have found. The seller can then make the repairs prior to the home going on the market.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A HOME INSPECTOR
Experience:
Find out how much experience a potential inspector has. If an inspector has not been performing inspections very long that does not mean that he or she is not qualified, it just means that you will need to ask more questions.
Home Inspection Training:
Have this inspector gone through any extensive training in home inspection? There are several training companies that provide hands-on training. Also, you may ask what other related experience the inspector has. Many inspectors have been in the building trades for several years and have considerable knowledge of home construction.
Association Membership:
Is the inspector a member of a professional Home Inspection organization, such as TAREI? Companies that are affiliated with professional organizations are serious about what they do, and they know about all the new developments in their fields. They are continually informed about changes in the building codes and city requirements. It is important that the inspectors belong to an association and abide by a set of guidelines that require professionalism in the industry.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL HOME INSPECTION INCLUDE?
Structural Components: The structural components including foundation and framing. The floor wall and ceiling structure, the under-floor crawl space, the roof structure and the attic.
Exterior: The exterior wall covering, flashing and trim. All exterior doors, attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings. The eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible from the ground level. The vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property when any of these are likely to adversely affect the building. Walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling entrances.
Roof System: The roof covering, the roof drainage systems, the flashing, the skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
Plumbing System: The interior water supply and distribution systems including all fixtures and faucets. The drain, waste and vent systems including all fixtures. The water heating equipment, the vent systems, flues, and chimneys. The fuel storage and fuel distribution systems. The drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping.
Electrical System: The service drop. The service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways. The service equipment and main disconnects. The service grounding. The interior components of service panels and sub panels. The conductors. The overcurrent protection devices. A representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles. The ground fault circuit interrupters.
Heating System: The installed heating equipment. The vent systems, flues, and chimneys. Air Conditioning Systems: The installed central and through-wall cooling equipment.
Interior: The walls, ceilings, and floors. The steps, stairways, and railings. The countertops and a representative number of installed cabinets. A representative number of doors and windows. Garage doors and garage door operators.
Insulation and ventilation: The insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces. The ventilation of attics and foundation areas. The mechanical ventilation systems. Describe the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces, the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces. Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances: The system components, the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
WHAT WILL A TYPICAL HOME INSPECTION COST?
Each home inspection company has their own pricing structure. Inspection fees vary based on the type, size, and features of the home or building. The cost of the inspection should not be the only consideration for hiring an inspector. A good inspection that informs you of all the potential problems in a home is worth the money. A bargain inspector may give you an inferior report. Once you have purchased the home, it may be very costly to repair problems that were omitted from the inspection report.
WHEN PURCHASING A HOME, WHEN SHOULD I CALL FOR A HOME INSPECTION?
When purchasing a home you will want to have the home inspected within a few days after the purchase agreement is signed. You want to make sure you have a clause in your purchase agreement that allows you to have an inspection and that you have the right to terminate the agreement if you find the home in unsatisfactory condition. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
WHAT IF THE INSPECTION REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS?
Almost all homes will show problems. Even newly constructed homes will have problems noted on an inspection report. This is why we recommend an inspection even for new construction. Your inspector will be able to identify major problems that will be costly. Minor problems are to be expected and can be repaired after closing. Major problems may require a negotiation between you and the seller as to how to fix the problems. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If the problems are costly, you will be able to make your decision about purchasing the home with the proper knowledge about the future cost of that home.