A professional home inspection is a visual inspection by a certified home inspector who vigilantly looks into the house's interior and exterior structure and mechanical systems with a trained eye pointing out issues that can save you from unwittingly investing in a money pit or expending thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.
What to expect from a home inspection as a seller?
For sellers, the exterior and interior home inspection pictures a clear and transparent overview of the underlying home conditions. It enables the seller to make necessary improvements to avoid problems down the line.
What to expect from a home inspection as a buyer?
For buyers, the property inspection ensures awareness of significant damages, overhauls that could result in unwanted financial burden, and safety concerns after closing the deal. If the home inspection agreement is part of the purchase contract, you can back out from the sale without a financial penalty within a specific time frame.
What do inspectors look for in-home inspection?
Before the home inspection, the inspector reviews the property disclosure statement that outlines the home inspection checklist. During the professional home inspection, the inspector focuses on three tasks:
● Identifying problems
● Suggesting fixes
● Issuing a written report
From a foundation inspection to vigilantly analyzing the molds and pest infestations, light fixtures, insulation, vents, exterior surfaces, HVAC malfunctions, leakages, compromised pipes, sewerage issues, the professional home inspection is an exhaustive procedure that uncovers extensive details, unlike online home inspection.
Here is the complete home inspection checklist according to the American Society of Home Inspectors:
1. Heating system
2. Central air conditioning system
3. Interior plumbing and electrical systems
4. Roof
5. Attic, including visible insulation
6. Walls
7. Ceilings
8. Floors
9. Windows and doors
10. Foundation
11. Basement
12. Structural components
A home inspection may take three to four hours for an average house. But the time may vary depending upon the home size. After the home inspection, the inspector may take a few days to send the written report.
Exterior inspection
● The inspector will check for damaged or missing siding, cracks, interpreting if the soil is in extreme proximity to the bottom of the house, which could further result in pest infestations.
● Even if the foundation is not visible, the certified inspectors will check for secondary evidence of foundation damage like cracks or settling.
● Usually, the inspector closely looks for cracks or loose shingles, obstructed vents and areas where roof damage and poor installation could result in water penetration.
Interior Inspection
● From faucets to showers to looking for drainage issues to testing water pressure, the inspector will determine if any damaged or old pipes need replacement.
● The inspector examines the HVAC system to estimate the furnace's age. They analyze air-conditioning, and water heaters speculating whether they are securely installed or need maintenance. Faulty air conditioning and water heaters are home inspection deal breakers.
● The inspector also checks if the windows are thermal, not damaged, and properly aligned.
Average home inspection cost
The buyers usually pay for the home inspection, but in some cases, the sellers pay for the property inspection. Although the home inspection pricing varies region to region, usually it costs between $300-$600 depending upon the property size and location.
What to expect after a home inspection?
Shortly after the review, the inspector provides a report listing defects that need immediate repair and replacement. The extensive home inspection report entails checklists, summaries, photographs, and notes. Though no fixes are mandatory after the inspection, the uncovered issues prompt further negotiations at both ends.
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