Frequently Asked Questions
A home inspector will inspect a house's structural systems and provide a report that may be used in evaluating a house's condition and/or value.
Home Inspectors Inspect:
Structural System: Foundation and framing
Exterior: Siding, doors, windows, decks, porches, etc.
Roof system: Covering, flashing, drain system, chimneys, etc.
Plumbing system: Supply, drain/waste/vent, water heater, sumps, etc.
Electrical: Service drop, main and sub panels, circuits and fixtures
Heating: Heating equipment, plenums, energy source, vent, flue and chimney
Air Conditioning: A/C equipment, electrical disconnect, piping
Interior: Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, countertops, cabinets and more
Insulation and Ventilation: Insulation, vapor barriers, attic, foundation
Fireplaces/Solid Fuel Burning Appliances: Equipment, vent, flue, chimney
A Home Inspector Does Not:
Appraise: Provide an opinion of value. Don't expect your home inspector to tell you if your house is a "good deal" or not.
Consultation: An inspector provides you with information that you can use to make your decision. We do not advise you on whether or not to buy a house.
Act as a city official: An inspector cannot give you an opinion on code enforcement.
Provide engineering analysis: An inspector provides a big picture analysis. If they see the need for further details in a house's system, they can recommend a qualified, professional engineer that can provide those answers.
Act as a contractor: Even though an inspector may reveal issues that you want to correct, they cannot provide you with an estimate or cost analysis.
Comment on equipment life expectancy: An inspector cannot tell you how long a furnace or air conditioner will last.
Provide insurance: An inspector cannot provide guarantee or warranty on the home.
Provide environmental evaluation: Home inspectors do not evaluate ground water, air quality or other environmental issues that may be present.
Insect or rodent evaluation: No tests are performed to detect the presence of household pests.
In summary, an inspector provides an unbiased opinion of the structure and systems of the home. They document the home's current condition based on their visual analysis.
Types of Inspections
There are two major types of inspections: Public and Private.
Private Inspections
The buyer or seller may require an inspection that is outside of any government mandate. These inspections might assist in the evaluation of a home for purchase, new construction sign-off, information for construction disputes, insurance claims, etc.
Most private inspections are commissioned during the sale of a home by the potential buyer. Also, a seller may have a home inspected by a private home inspector prior to a city inspection, only to simplify code compliance or to better understand the condition of their home.
Public Inspections
These include Time of Sale inspections or Truth in Sale of Housing. These are inspections mandated by the local government and are designed to maintain a certain quality of housing within the municipality. Typically, these are not as exhaustive as a private inspection.
Often, public inspections may be required for certain loans, such as FHA or VA loans.