What to Inspect When Viewing a Property

Buying a property is a major milestone, and conducting a thorough home inspection is crucial to ensuring that your investment is sound. In this blog post, we guide you through everything you need to know about home inspections. We’ll discuss what a home inspection entails, the timing of when to get one, and what inspectors typically look for, both inside and out. Additionally, you’ll discover what is typically not included in a standard inspection, the idea behind separate inspections, and various checklists that can help you. Moreover, we’ll evaluate costs and what to do if issues are uncovered, and most importantly, how to hire a qualified inspector.

What Is A Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of a property’s condition, often conducted by a professional inspector. This process involves assessing the home’s major systems and structural integrity to identify any potential problems. Performing a home inspection can prevent unexpected expenses and ensure that you are making a wise investment.

The inspection offers prospective buyers an opportunity to gain detailed insights into the property’s condition. These insights can be used for negotiating repairs or adjustments in the selling price. It is an essential step in the real estate transaction process, serving to minimize risks for the buyer.

When To Get A Home Inspection

Typically, a home inspection is scheduled after an offer has been accepted but before the contract is finalized. This timing allows buyers to review the inspection report and negotiate with the seller to address any significant issues that may arise.

In a competitive market, the inspection period can be quite limited. Thus, it’s crucial to schedule the inspection as soon as possible to leave enough time for any potential negotiations or further inspections.

What Do Home Inspectors Look For?

Home inspectors are trained to assess various aspects of a property. They look for issues related to structural integrity, safety hazards, and the proper functioning of major systems, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

Beyond technical systems, inspectors also evaluate the property’s exterior and interior components, including the roof, foundation, walls, windows, doors, and more. Their goal is to provide a clear picture of the home’s current condition and any potential future repairs needed.

Exterior Home Inspection

An exterior home inspection involves checking the condition of the roof, gutters, downspouts, and any visible signs of damage or deterioration. The inspector will also examine the siding, windows, doors, and general grounds, ensuring everything is properly maintained and functions correctly.

Additionally, inspectors might evaluate drainage systems to ensure water is properly diverted away from the property’s foundation. This helps prevent potential water damage issues from arising in the future.

Interior Home Inspection

During an interior home inspection, inspectors focus on the condition and functionality of key elements within the home. This includes checking the electrical wiring, plumbing systems, heating and cooling units, and insulation efficiency.

The inspection will also cover aspects such as the flooring, ceilings, walls, and any visible signs of mold, mildew, or water damage. These insights help deduce the amount of maintenance required post-purchase.

What Home Inspectors Typically Don’t Look For

There are limitations to what standard home inspections cover. For example, inspectors generally do not check for pests like termites, mold that requires laboratory testing, or environmental hazards such as asbestos or radon unless specifically requested.

Furthermore, home inspectors usually focus on visible and accessible areas only. Hidden or inaccessible locations and any items not possible to inspect without causing property damage might be left unchecked.

Separate Inspections

In some cases, additional inspections may be needed to adequately assess a property. These separate inspections cover specialized areas not typically included in a standard home inspection, such as pest infestations, swimming pool conditions, or septic systems.

Having these specialized inspections conducted by experts in those fields can provide definitive insights that contribute to making an informed buying decision. It’s advisable to consider these additional assessments if a property presents suspicious or atypical circumstances.

Home Inspection Checklists

Inspection checklists can be invaluable tools during the home evaluation process. They provide a structured approach to ensure all important aspects of the property are thoroughly analyzed by the inspector, and they help keep track of any potential issues found.

Utilizing such checklists promotes transparency and ensures that no critical aspect of the property is overlooked during the evaluation process.

Exterior Home Inspection Checklist

The exterior checklist typically includes areas such as the roof, chimney, siding, exterior doors, windows, patios, decks, garages, driveways, and drainage systems. Each component’s condition is assessed to ensure they are in good working order and free of visible damage.

Recognizing and addressing any issues at this stage can prevent costly repairs in the future and enhance the property’s market value and safety standards.

Interior Home Inspection Checklist

An interior home inspection checklist is focused on key elements such as electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and the overall structural integrity. The checklist helps inspectors systematically cover each element, recording any malfunctioning or hazards within the home.

By carefully following the checklist, potential issues that could compromise occupant safety or lead to future expenses are identified and addressed promptly.

Non-Standard Home Inspection Checklist

Non-standard inspection checklists include areas beyond the typical scope of standard inspections, addressing specific concerns such as pest infestations, septic systems, and pool conditions. These customized checklists are designed to detect issues not covered in general property assessments.

Utilizing non-standard checklists ensures that all potential concerns are scrutinized, particularly in properties with unique features or environmental risks.

How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost?

The cost of a home inspection varies based on factors such as the property’s size, location, and the inspector’s expertise. On average, fees range between $300 to $500, but additional services and separate inspections can increase this cost.

Although it adds to the initial buying expenses, a proper inspection can save buyers money by uncovering critical issues beforehand. It’s important to budget for potential inspections when planning a home purchase.

What Happens If A Home Inspection Reveals Issues?

If a home inspection reveals issues, buyers have multiple options. They can negotiate repairs with the seller, request a price reduction, or in some cases, opt to walk away from the deal. It’s vital to consult with your real estate agent to navigate these negotiations effectively.

Documenting and clearly understanding any issues found can also be a valuable tool for prioritizing necessary renovations post-purchase and assessing the long-term viability of the property.

Hiring A Professional Home Inspector

When hiring a home inspector, research and verify their credentials and experience. Look for inspectors with certifications from recognized organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).

Requesting referrals from trusted sources or reading online reviews can also guide you toward choosing a reliable and competent home inspector, thus ensuring a thorough and professional assessment of the property.

The Bottom Line

Conducting a thorough home inspection is a critical step in the home purchasing process that helps safeguard your investment. It highlights potential issues, providing you with the insights needed to make an informed decision.

Section	Description
What Is A Home Inspection?	Explains the purpose and process of a home inspection, crucial for identifying a property’s condition.
When To Get A Home Inspection	Details the timing for scheduling an inspection after an offer is accepted but before closing.
What Do Home Inspectors Look For?	Covers the exterior and interior components home inspectors evaluate for potential issues.
What Home Inspectors Typically Don’t Look For	Discusses common exclusions from standard inspections and the need for separate assessments.
Separate Inspections	Defines specialized inspections for areas outside of the standard inspection scope.
Home Inspection Checklists	Introduces the importance and use of various checklists for comprehensive property evaluation.
How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost?	Provides an overview of average inspection costs and influencing factors.
What Happens If A Home Inspection Reveals Issues?	Introduces the options available to buyers when inspections uncover issues.
Hiring A Professional Home Inspector	Offers guidance on what to consider when selecting a qualified home inspector.