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Simple Real Estate Definitions : Home Inspection

Posted By Paula Henry on Tuesday, September 09, 2008 2:26:00 PM | 3 Comments

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 2-6 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. 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.

To find a qualified home inspector in your area, ask your real estate agent for a referral, visit the American Society of Home Inspectors Web site or the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

Discussion

#1 Posted by Deb Dahlberg Rowland at 9/10/2008 5:53 AM

Paula your overview of home inspections is very informative and I know Buyers and Sellers who would benefit greatly from reading it! As far as ASHI at least those inspectors are taking some steps to accreditation....better than those that just hang a sign!

#2 Posted by Paula at 9/9/2008 6:32 PM

Nck - I put a link up there for you. I know many great ASHI inspectors as well as NACHI inspectors, and there are definately some I would run from.

I'll give you your say, at the same time, I don't choose my clients home inspector, they do. I have at least one from each of these organizations that I readily give out numbers for.

#3 Posted by Nick Gromicko at 9/9/2008 5:12 PM

ASHI is a known no-entrance requirement diploma mill. Run away from any REALTOR who recommends a diploma mill, patty cake inspector.

www.nachi.org/requirementcomparison.htm