What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an objective, non-intrusive, non-invasive, visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. The home inspection is designed to protect the buyers, by revealing problems they might not have noticed otherwise. This is also the opportunity to educate the clients on the home as well as some regular home maintenance.
The structure includes everything from the foundation to the roof, and everything in between that forms part of the structure of the home. The systems of the house are also included. That means the home inspector will inspect electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC system, foundation, attic, roof, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors, among many other things.
How Long Will the Inspection Take?
Home inspections generally take anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours. Obviously, this question does not have a set answer as the duration of the inspection depends on many factors such as: the square footage of the house, the age of the house, the condition of the house, the number of the systems to inspect (HVAC, plumbing, drains, etc.), and the ability to access certain portions of the house (roof, crawl space, attic, etc.).
Should I Attend the Inspection?
Although it is not necessary, we do recommend that you attend the inspection so you can ask questions and learn more about the home. You will learn a lot from the inspection report, but we always encourage you to attend!
What Are the Best Questions To Ask During a Home Inspection?
Any question that you have! We are available to help you make sure you know about the home you are considering. Consider internalizing questions about cosmetic issues or interior design and focus on asking questions about the most critical (expensive) aspects of the home, such as the wiring and plumbing, internal structure, major appliances, and other such systems.
What if the Inspection Report Reveals Problems?
It is important to note that no house is perfect. A home inspection is a diligent visual examination of the home and all of its major systems and components. At the end of the home inspection process, we will provide a detailed report that describes the physical condition of a property, with images and video and highlighting what may need repair or replacement. The information provided is to allow a potential buyer to make an informed decision about moving forward with the transaction. It is not pass or fail.
Is That “To Code”?
A home inspector is not allowed to quote code and can be fined a considerable amount of money if done. A home inspector should be aware of code as it is an important part of the overall knowledge of conducting a home inspection, but home inspectors are NOT code inspectors.
Should I Get a Radon Test?
Short answer is yes. The EPA recommends that up to 3 levels above grade should be tested for radon every two years regardless of property type.
Here is a link to the Homebuyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-05/documents/hmbuygud.pdf