What to Expect From a Home Inspection

When you buy a home, you should never sign on the dotted line until you’ve obtained a home inspection. Even when you already own a commercial building or residential property, you may need to obtain regular building inspections to ensure safety is prioritized.

Typically, inspectors need two to four hours to complete a home inspection. Their job is to visually assess the entire structure and all the systems of a home. Here’s what you can expect from a home inspection.

What Is Covered in a Home Inspection?

Inspectors examine many parts of a home, which can include:

• heating and air conditioning systems
• indoor plumbing
• electrical systems
• roof, attic, and exposed insulation
• windows, doors, walls, floors, and ceilings
• basement and foundation

Why Is a Home Inspection Necessary?

You should enter into the process of home buying armed with information about the house you want to purchase. Home inspectors can tell you which areas or systems will require repairs and explain what maintenance is needed to keep everything in good working order. You’ll feel better about buying a home once you’ve had it examined by professional inspectors.

For current homeowners, inspectors can pinpoint brewing issues and tell you about ways to prevent those issues from becoming major problems. New-construction inspection can highlight building errors and offer suggestions for correcting those errors. For those looking to put their home on the market, an inspection can point you in the direction of necessary repairs that will make the home more attractive to buyers.

How Much Will a Home Inspection Cost?

Inspection fees for the average single-family dwelling vary by locale. The cost may also depend on the home’s size and age, and on whether the homeowner or home buyer requests additional services like inspecting the septic system or testing for radon.

Can a Home Get a Failing Grade on an Inspection?

A home cannot fail an inspection. Home inspectors are not municipal employees, so they don’t check for compliance with local codes. They simply provide a description of the home’s systems and structural condition and suggest replacements and repairs to correct problems. Their assessment is also not an appraisal of the home’s value.

You should find a highly experienced home inspector. You may also need an inspector who provides services not normally covered in the standard inspection. On our team, we have a Nationally Certified Master Inspector who has completed a minimum of 1,000 inspections and/or training hours, and has met other educational, background, and professional requirements. We offer specialized services such as wind mitigation inspection and pool leak inspection. Call us today to schedule an inspection.