What to Expect from a Home Inspection?

If you want to make an informed decision as a home buyer, hiring a home inspector to identify issues is a no-brainer. It is an essential step in the home buying process!

However, you might not know what to expect from a home inspection – especially as a first-time buyer. With our new blog post, we want to give you a better idea and help you to get familiar with the process of a home inspection.

What to expect from a home inspection (and what not)

• Cosmetic issues are not part of the inspection unless they hint at underlying damage or danger
• A home inspection report offers a practical assessment of your future maintenance and repair and makes you aware of potential hazards (e.g., black mold.)
• Don’t be surprised if the score is not perfect! A great home inspector can usually find some kind of issue with every home. Still, the report’s purpose is not to deter you but to offer you an educated and accurate idea of the property’s condition.
• We do not provide a grading scale that signals whether or not you should buy the home. Every house will have certain issues, and it’s your task to make an informed decision. It’s common for the buyer to use a home inspection report as a negotiation basis with the seller.

When do you schedule a home inspection?

Make sure to choose the home inspection service you will use ahead of time. Before you begin your search for a new home, do some research and find the best home inspector for your needs. Right after the seller accepts your offer and you are under contract, contact your chosen home inspector service. That will give you plenty of time to negotiate with the seller based on the home inspector report details.

During the home inspection process

A quality home inspection can last multiple hours and involves a thorough investigation of the property. The exact time it will take depends on the size of the home. The home inspector may do his or her work alone or be accompanied by you as the buyer. If you are present during the inspection, you will benefit from listening to the inspector’s commentary and the opportunity to ask questions.

The home inspection report

The home inspection report includes notes and photos along with a summary and checklist.

• We will suggest repairs and maintenance needed and estimate the life expectancy of the roof, water heater, and other home elements that inevitably require replacement.
• We will also check for any evidence for the presence of pests, hazards, or structural issues.

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (interNACHI), these are the standard areas of a property that every professional home inspector will evaluate:

The exterior

• External structures
• Flashing
• Trim
• Doors
• Eaves
• Fascias
• Extensions
• Porch
• Garage
• Patio
• Deck
• Balcony
• Driveway
• Walkway
• Stairs and railings

Interior areas

• Floors
• Ceilings
• Walls
• Stairs and railings

Some home appliances

• Stove
• Dishwasher
• Garbage disposal
• Built-in microwave

Heating and AC system

• Cooling equipment
• Heating equipment
• Distribution system
• Accessible vent systems
• Fuel-burning appliances
• Fireplace/chimney/flue
• Electrical system
• Roofing system
• Exhaust systems
• Insulation and ventilation
• Plumbing system
• Additional structural components
• Framing
• Foundation
• Attic
• Crawlspace

(This is not intended to be a complete checklist but a simplified guide to save or print out for reference or research purposes.)

Make sure to choose the right home inspection service

All home inspectors are not alike. Some inspection services have relaxed their evaluation process to benefit the sale of a home. This practice is against the ASHI Code of Ethics that Divinity Home Inspection upholds!

Divinity Home Inspection Services goes above and beyond the average inspector and offers the home buyer a thorough and detailed report. But don’t take our word for it: Look at our customer’s testimonies.

Now you should have a more comprehensive idea of what to expect from a home inspection.

If you are looking for a home in Tampa Bay, Florida, especially near St. Petersburg, Brandon, Spring Hill, or Wesley Chapel, contact Divinity Inspection Services and schedule your appointment today!