What is a Home Inspection?

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a complete, top-to-bottom, visual check-up of the structure and systems of a house. It is meant to be an objective determination of a home’s condition.

A home inspection usually takes 3-6 hours to complete, depending on the size of the home.

During the inspection process, the inspector will examine all of the following components of a home:

• Home exterior including doors, decks, and vegetation
• Heating and cooling systems for leaks and efficiency
• Electrical systems for safety and soundness of design
• Plumbing systems for venting, distribution, and drainage

In addition, the inspector will review the roofing system, the home’s interior, and several other parts of the property.

A home inspection may be ordered by a home owner or by a home buyer.

Why Get an Inspection?

For a home owner, an inspection can detail a home’s shortcomings and provide a roadmap for repairs. This can help a person prepare his home for sale because “major issues” can be addressed in advance of listing.

For a home buyer, a home inspection physically reviews a home under contract, identifying structural flaws that may impact the home’s desirability. This is essential for the negotiation process because no home is “perfect” – even new ones!

A home inspection highlights potential long-term trouble spots and the likelihood for expensive home repairs. This is why real estate professionals often recommend inspecting a home immediately after signing a purchase contract.

Source: American Society of Home Inspectors Frequently Asked Questions on Home Inspections