Inspections

PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTION

Whether purchasing a newly constructed home or an existing one, getting a professional home inspection is a must.  The purchase and sale agreement needs to include not only the condition of having an inspection done, but the approval of that inspection as well.  Usually an offer includes a time frame in which the inspection is to be completed and a written request for repairs submitted to the seller.  The seller will then have a time frame in which to respond to the buyer’s request for repairs.  A follow up inspection by the buyer once the repairs are completed is also indicated in the offer under the heading: “Walk Through Inspection”.

Some professional inspection companies offer a warranty in their program.  I would highly recommend a company that is licensed and offers such a warranty.  Some offer inspections outside of the normal standard items such as: asbestos, radon, termites, mold, pests, and lead.  These will usually cost extra, but could be very important to have done depending on your region of the country.

The following are general areas of inspection that most companies provide:

  1. Structural Elements: construction of walls (framing) , ceilings, floors, foundation, and roof.
  2. Exterior Evaluation: grading of landscape, drainage, sprinkler system, concrete, fencing, siding, fascia, flashing, gutters, windows, ventilation of foundation/crawl space, trim, doors, lighting, and exterior receptacles.
  3. Plumbing: condition of pipes in the house and in the crawl space, condition of fixtures including toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, faucets, and drainage pipes.  Septic and sewer inspections would not be considered a standard.
  4. Heating and Cooling Systems: condition of water heaters, furnace, air conditioning unit, and ducts.  Airflow will also be measured from room to room.
  5. Electrical:  main panel, circuit breakers, wiring, receptacles, fans, light fixtures, switches, and exhaust fans.  Code violations may also be noted.
  6. Appliances: range, oven, warmers, microwave, garbage disposal, garbage compactor, dishwasher, and refrigerator.
  7. Fireplace: chimney, fan, and damper.
  8. Smoke detectors and other alarm systems.
  9. Garage: concrete, garage door and opener, and exit doors.
  10. Crawl space/Attic: insulation, ducts, wiring, plumbing, and issues with water, ventilation, or mold.

Get recommendations from others as to whom to use as your inspector.  Remember no house is perfect.  It is important to know going into a purchase what the condition of the property is.  Most repairs can be accomplished without too much cost.  Any repairs that the buyer requests of the seller can put the agreement back into negotiation.  The seller may or may not choose to repair any or all of the items listed.