What Do You Need to Know About Home Inspections?

Whether you’re a buyer or seller, you need to know these three things about home inspections before ordering one.

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Whether you’re a buyer hiring someone to inspect a home you want to buy or a seller needing an inspector to look at your home to see if there’s anything that needs to be fixed before you put it on the market, there are three things you need to know about home inspections:

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Knowing these three things is
essential to understanding
home inspections.

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1. You can choose any home inspector that you like. Your Realtor usually has several inspectors they’ve worked with, and they can be a good source of recommendations. You can also look for one on your own. In either case, it’s important to look for an inspector who’s a member of the National Association of Home Inspectors because they must complete an approved home inspector training program, demonstrate experience and competence as a home inspector, complete a written exam, and adhere to the NAHI standards of practice and codes of ethics.

2. Home inspections are intended to point out adverse conditions—not cosmetic flaws. A home inspector will point out conditions that need repairs and/or potential safety-related concerns regarding the home. They won’t comment on cosmetic items if they don’t impair the integrity of the home.They also don’t do destructive or invasive testing.

3. Home inspection reports only include the basics. On the home’s exterior, this report should include the steps, patios, decks, chimneys, roofs, windows, doors, the pool condition (if requested), and all operating components. Inside, they’ll look at the attic, electrical components, plumbing, central air conditioning and heating (including the ductwork), crawl spaces, and garages. They report on the working order of most items including the faucets to see if they leak or garage doors to see if they open properly. They’ll also note the presence or absence of state and locally mandated retrofits such as hot water heater strapping or the presence of a carbon monoxide and/or smoke detector. Inspectors may also point out termite damage and suggest you get a separate pest inspection. The final written report should be concise and easy to understand.

If you have any questions about this or any other real estate-related topic, please feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I’d be happy to help!