What to Expect At A Home Inspection

What is a Home Inspection?

A Home Inspection is a detailed visual walk-through of a home. The purpose of the inspection is to provide an objective opinion on the home’s current condition.

Th Property Inspection information is used in many ways;

• Buyers to make informed purchase decisions prior to buying
• Sellers to understand their property conditions before selling
• Owners to stay updated on maintenance tasks before they lead to major damage and costly repairs
• Banks and Lenders to fully understand the condition of a property prior to lending funds

The Home Inspection Process

Here’s a breakdown of the home inspection process:

• Schedule the Inspection: Once you’re under contract to buy a home, you’ll schedule an inspection with a licensed inspector.
• Inspection Day: The inspector will arrive at the property and spend a few hours examining various aspects, from the roof to the foundation, including plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and more. It’s beneficial for you to be present.
• Inspection Report: After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report highlighting any issues found, complete with photos and explanations of minor and major concerns.
• Review the Report: You’ll go through the report, preferably with your real estate agent, to understand the issues and prioritize them.
  • Call your inspector with any questions.
• Negotiate Repairs: Based on the Inspection Report, you can negotiate with the seller on any repairs, credits or price adjustments.
• Finalize Negotiations: Once an agreement on repairs is reached, it’s documented and signed off by both parties.
• Follow-Up Inspections (if needed): If major repairs are done by the seller, you might want to have a follow-up inspection to ensure everything was fixed properly.
  • In most cases, the qualified contractor receipts of the worked performed along with warranties are your best indication that the work was properly performed.

And that’s pretty much it! The process ensures you’re fully aware of the home’s condition before finalizing your purchase.

During The Home Inspection – Inspection Day

The home inspector will methodically inspect the entire property taking notes and pictures of all major systems. The inspector will inspect and operate several components, including lights and receptacles, open and close doors windows, test plumbing fixtures, operate heating, and cooling systems (Temperature permitting), all while visually inspecting for any problems. 

It is important to remember a few things about Home Inspections:

• The Home Inspection is visual only.
  • The inspector won’t move large personal items to view blocked areas.
    • For example, a large shelf blocking the electrical panel or a car parked underneath an attic access.
    • The listing agent should inform the seller to make these areas available for the home inspection.
  • The inspector won’t be able to see any hidden damage, behind walls or insulation, or underground.
    • Sewer lines and septic tanks are also not visible and require specialized evaluations.
• The Home Inspection is NOT a code inspection.
  • The inspector will not determine whether your home is compliant with local building codes.
  • Many observations and recommendations are based on current codes, such as safety issues such as dangerous wiring, missing GFCIs, damaged or insufficient guardrails, and handrails.
• The home inspection is not Pass or Fail
  • A home inspection simply provides a comprehensive understanding of a property’s condition rather than passing or failing.
  • The Home Inspection Report of the home’s current condition should be used to make informed decisions.
• A Home inspection is different than a Home Appraisal
  • A Home Inspection evaluates the condition of a property, identifying potential issues and repairs needed. It’s all about the structure and systems of the house.
    • The Home Inspection Report is for the Buyer to help make informed purchase decisions.
    • Home inspections are performed by a Licensed Home Inspector. 
  • A Home Appraisal, on the other hand, determines the market value of the property. It assesses factors like location, size, condition, and comparable sales in the area.
    • The Home Appraisal is usually for the lender to ensure the loan amount aligns with the home’s value.
    • Home appraisals are performed by a Licensed Appraiser.
• The inspector will typically not comment on cosmetic items.
  • Home inspectors mainly focus on the structural and functional aspects of the property—things like the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and foundation.
  • Cosmetic issues, like paint and minor wear and tear, usually don’t make the report.
• Should Buyers attend the Home Inspection?
  • Absolutely. Especially first time home buyers.
  • Being present during a home inspection allows buyers to ask questions directly, see issues firsthand, and get a better understanding of the property’s condition.
  • It’s a chance to learn about the maintenance and operation of various systems in the home.
  • The inspection can take some time. Many buyers will show up near the end of the inspection for a walkthrough summary of observations.
• Can my Real Estate Agent attend the home inspection?
  • Yes! Agents are encouraged to attend and be engaged so they know exactly what they’re writing up in for any repair requests.
• How long will the Home Inspection take?
  • The inspection will typically take two to four hours, depending on the size and condition of the house. Larger or older homes might take a bit longer to inspect.
  • Being thorough is key, so it’s worth the time to get a detailed understanding of the property.

After The Home Inspection – The Inspection Report

• What does the Home Inspection Report cover:
  • Structural Components: Foundation, roof, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors.
  • Exterior: Siding, porches, balconies, walkways, and driveways.
  • Plumbing System: Pipes, faucets, water heater, and drainage.
  • Electrical System: Wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, and fixtures.
  • Heating and Cooling Systems: Furnace, air conditioner, vents, and ductwork.
  • Interior: Attic, basement, insulation, ventilation, and fire safety.
  • Appliances: Built-in appliances like stoves, dishwashers, and garbage disposals.

The Home Inspection Report highlights any issues found, from minor repairs to significant concerns. It’s a great roadmap for understanding the home’s condition and future maintenance.

• Can I call you if I have questions about the report?
  1. Absolutely! A Home Inspection Report provides a lot of valuable information and might be a little overwhelming.
  2. Review the Report Thoroughly: Understand the findings and prioritize the repairs that are most critical.
     • Contact me with any questions!
  3. Get Estimates: Consult professionals to get an idea of the costs involved. This will help in negotiations.
  4. Negotiate with the Seller: Decide whether you want the seller to make the repairs, provide a credit, or reduce the sale price.
     • I highly recommend asking that repairs to be made by qualified professionals with receipts and associated warranties.
  5. Document Everything: Ensure all agreements are in writing to avoid any misunderstandings.
  6. Follow-Up Inspection:
     • In most cases, the provided receipts and warranties are your best indication the work was performed correctly.
     • If you have any concerns about the repairs, consider having the work re-inspected to ensure the work is done properly.
• Whose responsibility is it to make repairs after a Home Inspection?
  • Ultimately, any repairs are negotiated between the buyer and the seller. Sellers are not obligated to make any repairs.
    • Typically, the buyer will request the seller to make certain repairs or offer a credit towards the cost.
    • The seller can agree, refuse, or offer a compromise.
    • It’s all about finding that perfect spot where both parties are satisfied.

Conclusion:

Buying a house is a massive step and can be overwhelming. The key is breaking it down into manageable parts, like researching, budgeting, negotiations and finding the right professionals to guide you along the way. Every step forward is a win, even when it feels intimidating.

Ask your Real Estate Agent and your Home Inspector any and all questions, participate in the inspection and negotiations and you will have complete confidence in your purchase, knowing you’ve made an informed decision.