Why should I have a home inspection?

Experienced homeowners, and especially first time buyers, lack the knowledge and expertise of a professional inspector who has inspected thousands of homes.

A professional inspector knows how the home’s structure, systems and components work together and how they should be maintained.  A home inspection will provide you with an impartial third-party report on the condition of the house.

To minimize the unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you should learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you make your purchase.

It is a thorough, visual inspection and evaluation of the components of the house.  It not only provides a report on the condition of the house but provides valuable educational information on the location of many components as well as how to maintain them.

An example of some of the areas covered in the report will include:

• Grounds - Grading, drainage, retaining walls, vegetation, stairs, decks, driveways, sidewalks
• Exterior/ Foundation - Exterior walls, trim, chimney, slabs, basements, crawl spaces, foundation walls, visible framing
• Roof - Type and condition, visible flashings, gutters & downspouts, attic and roof framing
• Plumbing - Service pipe, interior supply pipes, waste & drain pipes, hose faucets, fuel system, water heater
• Heating/Cooling - Type, condition, venting, distribution, controls, filters
• Electrical - Main service, panels, visible wiring and outlets, fixtures
• Interior - Doors, windows, walls, ceilings, floors, fireplaces, stairs, smoke alarms
• Garage - Floors, walls/ceiling, doors, and door openers
• Kitchen - Countertops, cabinets, floor, sink, disposal, range/cooktop, dishwasher, Built-in features
• Bathroom - Toilet, sink, ventilation, heat, bathtub, shower
• Inspection Comments - Provide an overview of the most important problems, deficiencies, and observations as well as recommendations for repairs, servicing or further investigation or monitoring of conditions
• Home Information - Provides useful and important information on the safety and maintenance of your home

A typical inspection takes an average of 3 to 4 hours.  Some condos or townhouses may take less time while large houses and older houses will require more time.  There are inspectors that claim they can do inspections in 2 hours or less.  You should question them as to how thorough, how investigative and how educational their inspections are.  Extra time and attention is always provided for first time home buyers when needed so you understand the components of the house, where they are located and how they operate.

It is very important to be at the inspection if at all possible.  By following the inspector around you will more thoroughly understand the written inspection report as well as learn more about the house and gain valuable maintenance tips.  This is especially valuable for first time homebuyers.  If you have a limited amount of time it would be more beneficial to be there at the end of the inspection so you can review the inspection report with the inspector.

The report is computer generated, which provides information for the client as well as a checklist so that all the systems and components are covered.  Included is a summary section which highlights observations, defects, safety issues and provides recommendations for repairs. The onsite report is put together for you at the end of the inspection and can be printed out or Emailed if additional copies are needed.

The price of an inspection depends on many factors including the size of the house, the age of the house, the type of inspection and if there is a crawlspace or conditions that would require additional time.  The cost is only a small fraction of your major investment and could end up saving you thousands of dollars in unexpected expenses.  Call my office at 770-242-3042 for additional information and pricing.

Payment by check, cash or money order is expected at the end of the inspection unless other arrangements are made.