The purpose of a home inspection is to determine the condition of the home at the time of inspection. The inspection report is often used in determining the value of a purchase, and presents an opportunity to negotiating price and repairs that may be required.
There are various types of inspections services. Buyers who want a house they are considering to purchase to be inspected. Sellers (or listing inspections), who want their house inspected to identify and correct issues before placing their home on the market. Phased inspections, which are conducted during various construction phases on a house under construction. Warranty inspections which are usually performed 11 months after the initial construction while the house is still under a builder’s warranty.
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An inspection covers an inspection of structure, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and appliances. Inspectors are required to inspect only items that are visible and accessible. Two story roofs are generally considered inaccessible and are inspected from the ground. Inspectors are not allowed to perform invasive inspections. They are not allowed to open walls or ceiling to determine issues hidden behind the walls.A professional inspector will incorporate the latest technology such as thermal imaging to assess the general condition of the home.
Home inspectors are similar to primary care physicians, except that home inspectors are not permitted, by law, to work on houses they inspect. Primary care physicians will refer their patients to a specialist for a more thorough exam and treatment. Home inspectors will likewise refer their client to a specialist when it is warranted. As stated, home inspectors are not allowed, by law, to work on homes they inspect. This is for the protection of the client. They don’t have to worry that the inspector is finding issues with the hopes of being able to make additional money through repairs.
The typical home inspection is limited to the house and garage. It does not include pools, hot tubs, lawn sprinklers, wells, septic, and out buildings. These are add-on costs. Some require additional training and licensing on part of the home inspector.
The role of the home inspector is simply to inspect and report. A home inspector should not make recommendations about who should make the repair or whether the client should buy the house, or what should be negotiated with the seller. We recommend that the client consult with their realtor who will assist them in making these decisions.
If you have any questions on what is covered in a home inspection or if you have questions on a existing report please feel free to contact us. You can submit all questions on our contact page.