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What is a home inspection?
- Visual
Examination
- Documented
Record
- Informed
Consultation
A home inspection
is an objective visual examination, of readily accessible areas, of the
physical structure
and the systems of the home or property. The
purpose
of the inspection is to inform the  Buyer, Seller, and Real
Estate
Professionals
about the condition of the property at the time of the inspection.
A
home inspection usually takes place when a home is listed on the
market or when an offer has been made on the house. The inspection
usually occurs within approximately ten days from the date the contract
was accepted, but actual timing may vary depending upon each contract’s
terms.
A home inspection is an excellent opportunity to obtain an impartial
assessments of the critical components of a home. More
importantly, a home inspection allows you the opportunity to speak
directly with an inspector to answer any questions or concerns.
Why do I need a home inspection?
- Avoids
Buyer’s Remorse
- Reduces
Overall Listing Time
- Provides
Peace of Mind
No
home is perfect, even new homes require a careful inspection
review. Buyers learn about the property up-front, so they can
proceed with greater confidence and peace of mind. Sellers also
benefit from a faster sale with fewer surprises as they approach
closing. And finally, the Real Estate Agent, closing attorney,
and finance or insurance professionals all benefit from more efficient
transactions with less chance for unpleasant, and sometimes costly,
problems following the sale.
The home buying process can be very stressful. Being able to rest
easy knowing that there has been a complete examination, and report of
any findings, ultimately reduces any related concerns regarding
disclosure, and helps to avoid misrepresentation, negligence or fraud.
The end result is peace of mind for everyone in the transaction, and
this is a key benefit of a home inspection.
Examples of some home inspection tasks:
Structural Integrity
- Grading/drainage
– does water flow away from the building? Intrusion or leaks?
- Foundation/slab
– evidence of movement or settling, such as major cracking?
- Masonry/stucco
– any improper flashing or major cracks, failing chimneys?
- Joists/sub-floors
– improper installation or damage due to cuts, plumbing leaks?
- Wood
framing – condition of exterior siding/windows/doors, or interior
drywall?
- Decks/balconies
– evidence of structural deterioration, improper railings?
- Attic
ventilation – blocked air vents/soffits, evidence of moisture or
leaks?
- Roofing
layer – overall condition of materials, flashing, gutters &
drainage?
- Building
modifications – un-permitted additions, improper use of attic
space?
- Overall
soundness – condition of maintenance overall?
Health
& Safety Concerns
- Trip
hazards – uneven walkways, exposed plumbing/electrical conduits?
- Health
hazards – disconnected pipes, loose wires, carbon monoxide hazards?
- Moisture
problems – plugged vents, minor leaks, improper insulation, mold?
- Improper
wiring – improper installation of circuits, switches or
receptacles?
- Pool
safety – proper fencing and gates, correct wiring around
pool/equipment?
- Smoke
detectors – sufficient quantity and proper placement, test of
functionality?
- General
security – door locks, windows, garage doors, exterior lighting?
Systems
Functionality
- Installed
appliances – properly wired, operational testing for general
condition?
- Heating/air
conditioning – working controls, heat exchangers, AC
compressors?
- Electrical
wiring – protected receptacles, review of circuit breakers,
lighting?
- Plumbing
systems – working water supply, water heater, waste drainage,
venting?
- Doors/windows
– general fit and function, locks, skylights, etc?
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