Are you willing to risk buying a home that has some fundamental, expensive problems? What if you purchase a home and subsequently learn that the plumbing under the floors must be replaced?
This is where home inspection comes in. It ensures the integrity of your home. Typically, a home inspector performs a visible inspection of the home’s internal and external systems which include the following:
- Building Interior: walls, floors, ceilings, doorways, etc
- Kitchen & Laundry Areas and Fixtures
- Bathroom Interiors and Fixtures
- Fireplaces & Chimneys - Garages & Carports
- Building Exterior: walls, foundation, windows, etc.
- Roof, Attic and Gutters
- General Foundation
- General Drainage
- Fences & Gates, Driveway, Patios and Covers, Decks & Balconies, Exterior Stairs
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
After the inspection, the home inspector creates a report listing all the defects found in the home and presents it to you, the homeowner.
When Is Home Inspection Required?
A home inspection isn't required, but recommended. The main purpose of a home inspection is to give you the information needed to make an informed decision on the purchase.
A buyer's inspection occurs after the buyer has made an offer on the home, and before closing the sale. After a home inspection, the buyer may be able to renegotiate their offer or request repairs if certain issues come up. A seller's home inspection, on the other hand, happens before the home is listed.
In average, an inspection on a typical 3-bedroom home usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending upon the number of bathrooms, kitchens, fireplaces, attics, etc., that have to be inspected. Inspections that take less than two hours typically are considered strictly cursory, "walk-through" inspections and provide the client with less information than a full inspection.
How Do You Prepare?
- 1. Make sure access to the house is provided, either by means of a lock box, your realtor, the seller's realtor, or you being there.
- 2. Make sure that all areas of the house are accessible and visible.
- 3. Make sure that all utilities are on (including electricity, gas, and water) , the pilot lights are lit, etc. This is required to test appliances and the systems (i.e. plumbing & electrical) in the home.
- 4. Keep all pets out of the way during the inspection.
- 5. Inform the inspector of any specific conditions, flaws, or defects of the home. This will save time and help create a more honest inspection report.
- 6. Make yourself available to the inspector during the time of inspection. It is not required that you walk with the inspector during the inspection, but being available for questions or to help the inspector gain access to certain areas is important.
Your home is one of the biggest, most valuable purchases you’ll ever make. Home inspections will help ensure you’re making an good investment.
