Revelations of a Professional Home Inspection

The professional way for defects in a home’s structure, systems, components, and even features is with a home inspection. These inspections are carried out by experts that are required to follow strict regulations and industry standards, provincially, nationally, and internationally. Inspectors are either certified or licensed and highly beneficial for buyers, sellers, real estate agents/brokers, and even banks and other lending institutions. The information identified reveals a realistic condition of the property.

Obviously, of all investments that people make, real estate is the biggest so having the home inspected by a professional is imperative. For people interested in buying a home, the inspection provides a sense of confidence, knowing their financial investment and safety would be protected. With this, potential buyers can decide what repairs they might be willing to make outside of what the loan requires.

Then for the seller, the inspection reveals things that need to be repaired prior to putting the home on the market, which means having the opportunity to make changes so the home is in the best possible condition to sell quickly and at the asking price. Additionally, sellers in a hurry to sell might choose to reveal defects to potential buyers, negotiating price, and closing based on how much they have time to do opposed to what buyers would be interested in taking on.

A good home inspection would involve very specific tasks for both buyer and seller, which includes the following:

* The inspection would reveal wood rot, termites, or other problems specific to wood. While a termite inspection would be focused on termites and damage only, the inspection would show termites, as well as wood rot, and even things such as a broken beam in the attic. * A home inspection would also look at chimneys to make sure smoke filters property, that no bricks or rock is crumbling, and that older chimneys do not have a flue liner.

* The electrical portion of the home inspection would determine the type and age of the electrical box, checking that it follows current city code. If a new electrical box is required, a licensed electrician could make suggestions as to brand and cost of replacement.

* The home’s furnace would also be inspected, which involves taking various components apart to look at the heat exchanger for cracks or malfunction. If a problem were identified, a licensed HVAC specialist would be able to provide details as to exact problem, components needing to be replaced, and any associated costs.

* If the home is older, the home inspection may also look for lead-based paint. If this were found, it would need to be removed by an abatement contractor, someone licensed and with experience removing dangerous chemicals. Lead paint is very dangerous and needs to be considered seriously.

* Another service provided by most home inspectors is to verify public records of the property, making comparisons so inaccuracies pertaining to square footage could be identified and then corrected. If the home inspection does not cover this service, an appraiser could assist or the calculations could be done by you.

* Even the type of foundation on which the home is built would be identified, raised or slab. If necessary, a foundation engineer could also be hired to determine any damage or defects such as sliding or cracking of the foundation.

* Another area that most inspectors cover is the roof, looking at the number of layers, year of the roof, and condition. This is actually a very important part of the home inspection not just from the roof perspective, but also because the structure of the room involves the chimney and plumbing. Typically, minor defects will appear on a roof between six and nine years of age although standard life of a quality roof is up to 30 years.

* The plumbing and water systems of the home would also be inspected. In this case, if problems were identified, a plumber would come in to look at the extent of the problem and if necessary, unclog or replace old pipes.

* Another important aspect of the home inspection is looking for the presence of mold, which contain airborne particulates that can be dangerous. Using special equipment, the air quality would be tested in and around the property.

Remember, these are just the primary services of a home inspector but a good inspection can reveal so much more. Whether you are the buyer or seller, it would be to your advantage to know current and potential risks rather than waiting shortly before buying or selling and only having the transaction delayed.

Please help to answer the question about license roof contractorHome Inspector and Roof Insepctor?
Hi, I recently purchased a home in November 08. The A/C has had to be replaced and the roof now has to be replaced. I pretty much think my inspector did a bad job, wouldn't ya say?

The inspector said my roof was from 1985 and that it would be fine for at least another 15 years. Before I bought the house I noticed a small leak in the garage. My inspector / licensed roofing contractor said it was from a sideways wind and came in through a vent on side of house and shouldn't be a problem. I then included in my contract for the home that a licensed roofer had to repair it before closing. The repair was made by whom I don't know, but my "inspector" came out and said it was fine. Since he is a licensed roofing contractor, it was approved.

Now I have to replace the roof due to the leak and the old age of the roof.

Now for the A/C the inspector said just clean out the system inside and it would be fine. Upon our first month of having to use a/c the system failed. Seemed like it was pumped full of freon before selling the house and the inspector looked right over this to.

Is there anything i can do?
I am in Florida
About Author

Oliver Darraugh -
About the Author:

Oliver Darraugh is an experienced commentator and investor in the UK property market. His company Rent Back My Property helps find property buyers for those looking for to sell house rent back.