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Buyer Inspection Process

What is a Home Inspection?

A Home Inspection is a visual examination of a structure, conducted by a qualified professional who is trained and experienced in evaluating all the component features of a house.  A competent home inspector will share a clear and accurate picture of the condition of these components.

It is important to remember that a Home Inspection is basically visual in nature, with no intrusive drilling or digging performed. When you and your Home Inspector have completed the Inspection, the house must be in the same (or better) condition than it was when you first began.

What is the Cost of a Home Inspection?

The cost of a home inspection is based on price per square foot. Most range from $300 to $750, depending on the property’s size. An average home inspection costs $350-450.

What are the Goals of a Home Inspection?

1- Clearly identify any potential significant defect that may affect your buying decision and gain a realistic approximation of associated repair costs.

2- Identify any areas in need of near-term repairs, or any components that are reaching the end of their useful life span. This will be beneficial information that you will need when setting up your maintenance budget.

The Structural Inspection

  • Foundation
  • Grading and Drainage
  • Roof & Attic
  • Walls (interior & Exterior)
  • Door (interior & Exterior)
  • Ceilings & Floors
  • Windows
  • Fireplace/Chimney
  • Porches, Decks, Garages & Carports

The Mechanical Inspection

  • Electrical
  • Heating & Cooling
  • Plumbing
  • Appliances
  • Garage Door Operators
  • Dryer Vents

How Do I Get the Maximum Benefit from a Home Inspection?

  • Make plans to attend the inspection in person. A typical Home Inspection takes between 1½ and three hours. It is well worth learning about the home and its systems firsthand.
  • Be sure that the Home Inspector arrives fully equipped to perform the Inspection. The Home Inspector should be fully equipped with all the necessary tools and testing equipment needed to perform a full inspection (ladder, flashlight, electronic testing equipment for carbon monoxide, electrical circuit analyzer, moisture meter, level, etc.).  Beware of the Inspector who comes equipped with nothing more than a flashlight, does not take time to sit down with you first and try to determine your specific needs and concerns, performs a “quick walk-through”, gives you just a handwritten checklist when done, and leaves without spending time explaining what he has found.
  • Follow the Inspector and ask questions. Remember, this is your Inspection! No question is silly or foolish. Learn as much as you can.
  • Confirm that all major components have been evaluated. All accessible components in the house should be evaluated, unless explicitly stipulated by your Inspector. You should not expect the Inspector to test certain specialty items such as water treatment systems, central alarm systems, lawn sprinkling systems, swimming pools, and hot tubs. If any such issues exist in the home, consult with your Realtor to determine if an outside specialist should be called in to evaluate them.
  • Obtain a Repair Items List. At the conclusion of the Inspection, your home inspector should provide you and your realtor with a written list that clearly itemizes any major defects and recommended repairs. You should receive a formal report, including photos of the mentioned items, immediately following your home inspection.

Following a Home Inspection, You Should Know:

  • The condition of the home and what repairs are needed
  • Relative Urgency of Repairs, should they exist
  • A proper course of corrective action to take if repairs are needed

What happens if a home inspection turns sour?

Occasionally, a home inspection may reveal antiquated mechanical systems, undisclosed repairs, and perhaps, unexpected safety hazards.  The good news is that most concerns can be addressed in a timely and cost-efficient manner.  It is best to seek estimates for repairs from reputable service providers and determine the time and money needed for corrective action.  If the cost of repairs and the time required exceed your desired results, it may be best for you and your Realtor to seek another home that better suits your needs.

Recommended Home Inspectors:

For your convenience, we have provided a list of qualified home inspectors available to assist you with your future home inspection.

  • National Property Inspections
  • Bob McDonough
  • (770) 656-2209
  • E-mail: Npi.bob@gmail.com