A home inspector is a professional who visually examines the physical structure and systems of a house to identify material defects. When you decide to purchase a home, hiring an inspector before closing is highly recommended to give you a clear picture of the property’s overall condition. But what exactly are the responsibilities of a home inspector?
Inspecting the Home’s Exterior
A home inspector will start the inspection by examining the home’s exterior. Some key things they will look at include:
Roof
- Type of roof (asphalt, tile, metal, etc.) and estimated age/condition
- Signs of leaks, damage, or abnormal wear
- Flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights
- Gutters and downspouts
Exterior Surfaces
- Siding, trim, paint, masonry for cracks, rot, or deterioration
- Windows and doors for functionality, condition, and energy efficiency
- Attached porches, decks, balconies for structural integrity
Foundation
- Foundation walls for cracks or signs of settling
- Grading near foundation for proper drainage
- Exterior utilities like electrical outlets, lighting, gas meters, A/C units
Assessing the Home’s Interior
After finishing the exterior, the inspector moves inside to continue their visual examination by inspecting:
Structural Elements
- Walls, floors, ceiling, attic for signs of water damage or abnormal cracks
- Doors and windows for functionality and condition
- Staircases for safety and handrails where needed
Electrical Systems
- Main service panel for proper sizing, circuit breakers, grounding
- Visible wiring for defects like exposed wires or splices
- Switches, outlets, and light fixtures tested for functionality
Plumbing Systems
- Water pressure at taps
- Pipes for leaks or corrosion
- Water heater for leaks, corrosion, functionality
- Drainage by flushing toilets, running sinks and tubs
Heating and Cooling Systems
- Furnace, heat pump, A/C unit for make, model and general condition
- Supply and return air vents checked for airflow
- Filters checked for cleanliness
- Thermostats tested for proper operation
Checking for Safety Hazards
A huge part of a home inspector’s job is checking for hazards that could jeopardize safety. They will look for:
- Lack of fire separation between units or garage and living space
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors tested
- Risk of falling due to missing handrails, guardrails, etc.
- Asbestos, lead risks in older homes
Providing a Detailed Inspection Report
Once the visual inspection is complete, the inspector creates a detailed report summarizing their findings. This includes:
- Overview of the home’s overall condition
- Description of all inspected systems and components
- Lists of any deficiencies found, with accompanying photos
- Recommendations for repairs, replacements, or further evaluation
The report allows the buyer to make an informed decision about the home. While an inspector’s role isn’t to pass or fail a home, they provide objective insights into its condition.
What Isn’t Covered in a Standard Home Inspection?
While home inspections are very thorough, there are some things that exceed the scope of a standard inspection. This includes:
Evaluating Cosmetic Flaws
An inspector does not comment on minor cosmetic issues like carpet stains, small paint defects, etc. They focus only on material physical deficiencies.
Assessing Inaccessible Areas
Inspectors cannot access areas like roof undersides without damaging property. They only inspect visible, readily accessible areas.’
Testing for Environmental Hazards
Special tests for radon, lead, asbestos, mold, water quality require an environmental specialist.
Checking Compliance With Building Codes
Inspectors determine function, not compliance with past building codes. Special certification is required for code compliance inspections.
Inspecting Detached Structures/Amenities
Standard inspections usually only cover the primary house and garage – not pools, sheds, barns, or other detached structures unless specifically requested.
Estimating Repair Costs
While inspectors will note deficiencies, most don’t provide quotes for suggested repairs. Cost estimation often requires input from contractors.
Providing Home Warranties
An inspection is not an insurance policy – inspectors are not responsible for undiscovered defects or covering future repair costs.
Working with Qualified Professionals
When hiring a home inspector, make sure to verify qualifications like proper licensing, insurance, experience, and certifications. Quality inspectors belong to professional organizations that uphold standards of practice like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). This helps give confidence in the inspection results.
Ultimately a home inspection provides invaluable insights to make a smarter home buying decision. While not flawless, they reveal the true condition of key systems that may require repair or replacement. Understanding what is and isn’t covered in a standard inspection helps set proper expectations.
What Should You Do During the Home Inspection?
When you schedule a home inspection from home Inspectors Fort Worth TX you have the option to accompany the inspector during the inspection. This allows you to see the home’s condition firsthand, ask questions, and learn what to look for in future inspections. Consider the following tips for getting the most out of the inspection process:
Take Notes
Bring a notepad and pen/pencil to document the inspector’s findings in your own words. This helps cement the details and clarifies anything you may need to research later. Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions if you don’t understand terminology or the scope of an issue.
Ask About Any Concerns You Noticed
Voicing concerns you noticed separately from the inspector allows them to provide an objective assessment. Maybe they will notice issues you overlooked or ease worries about problems that turn out to be harmless quirks.
Discuss Future Maintenance
Take the chance to discuss recommended future maintenance that will maximize the home’s lifespan. Asking about a roof’s remaining useful life, typical HVAC upkeep needs, or signs to monitor for evolving issues can guide your home management plans.
Prioritize the Deficiencies
Have a conversation about distinguishing defects needing immediate attention versus routine homeowner maintenance. Understanding severity and timelines for addressing issues informs budgeting for future repairs.
Get Repair Bid Guidance
If major issues arise requiring professional repairs, pick the inspector’s brain about reasonable price ranges so unscrupulous contractors don’t take advantage later on. They have industry knowledge of typical repair costs that prevents getting overcharged.
In the end, being present for the inspection empowers you to be an informed homeowner from the start. You gain firsthand insights that simply reading a report cannot provide. By asking thoughtful questions, you set yourself up for responsibly maintaining the home in the years to come.
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