Buying Homes
Find Your Home
Why a Realtor®?
Financing
Links
|
What is a Home Inspection?
After you have a signed Real Estate Purchase Contract to buy a home, you should hire a home inspector. An experienced Home Inspector will inspect the home inside and out. Some inspectors are more thorough than others. The reason for an inspection is simple. First, you will want to know if there are any major issues. Second, if an inspector finds issues, you may be able to negotiate some repairs with the Seller. The cost of the inspection can often pay for itself or more in repairs the Buyer gets from the Seller. Either way, the Buyer gets peace of mind.
There is an organization called ASHII (American Society of Home Inspectors) that many of the local inspectors are members of. It's best to find an inspector that has been recommended.
Some items that are typical of a thorough home inspection are listed below. From this list you will see why getting a home inspection is so important.
Grounds
Lot and Slopes
Fences & Gates
Retaining Walls
Driveways
Sidewalks
Exterior Items
Steps, Porches & Rails
Patios & Decks
Covers & Awnings
Exterior of windows
Exterior Foundation
Exterior Doors
Exterior Siding, brick, stucco, stone or other
Exterior Trim
Soffit & Facia
Gutters & Downspouts
Flashing
Roof
Chimneys
Vents
Skylights
Exterior Electrical Outlets
Exterior hose bibs
Garage + Carport
Roof
Floor
Overhead Door
Auto Openner
Lights & Electricity
Interior
Basement floor and walls
Basement drains
Floor Joists
Roof Joists/Rafters/framing
Insulation
Plumbing
Water Pressure
Supply lines & drains
Water Heater
Water Pressure & Pressure regulator
Water supply line and shut off valve
Sinks, tubs & shower stalls
Fixtures & faucets
Garbage disposal
Toilets
Sewer line
Electrical
Main Panel
sub-panels
Main shut off
Wiring
Junction boxes
Switches, outlets & GFCI outlets
Ceiling fans and light fixtures
Smoke and CO detectors
junction boxes
Heating & Cooling systems
Furnace (elements, chambers)
Air Conditioner (Compressors, condensors.)
Swamp cooler
Attic fans
Humidifiers
Ducts
Filters
Thermostats
Gas and Electrical lines
Gas leaks
Fireplaces & Stoves
Kitchen:
Appliances
Coutertops
Cabinets & Drawers
Other
Walls & Drywall
Interior Doors
Interior Windows
Interior Railings & stairs
Hardware
Tile surrounds and back splash
Flooring |
Depending on the specifics of the property, you may do more or less than listed above. This is a pretty broad list of what to expect from your inspector on the inspection of a single family home.
Keep in mind that not all inspectors have equal skills. Some are thorough, organized and experienced and some aren't. Picking a name out of the phone book is risky. Ask your Realtor & choose wisely.
Also, this list, is just a list. There is so much more detail that you need to know to inspect a home. Hire the right professional inspector and you’ll see what I mean. |
