Inspection Purpose & Common Questions

The purpose of a home inspection is to protect the buyer, assess the home or structure current conditions, and relay that information back to the buyer. A report is produced by the inspector that is often used for further negotiation or potential remedy (within defined contract guidelines and rules).

DOES THE SELLER HAVE TO FIX EVERYTHING FOUND? How the inspection findings & recommendations are treated / negotiated are regulated by the State/ local Real Estate Purchase Contracts or similar. We recommend having a Realtor & Attorney on your Real Estate Team. 

HOW LONG DOES AN INSPECTION TAKE? Depending on the size and condition of the home, a home inspection may take up to three hours. 

CAN I COME TO THE INSPECTION? Yes. Due to COVID19 safety, it is asked to avoid attending the entire time for occupied homes. It is best to come toward the end of the inspection period.

DOES THE REPORT HAVE PHOTOS? YES. 

WHAT IS LOOKED AT DURING AN INSPECTION? 

  • Roof (shingles, flashings, chimneys, vents, trim and gutters, drip edges, skylights, downspouts, and other visible roof related items)
  • Attics (structure, framing, insulation, ventilation, rafters, joists and collar ties, trusses, wiring attachments, and other visible related items)
  • Plumbing and Fixtures (discernable leaks, functional water flow, water distribution system, hose bibs, sinks, faucets, bath/showers and toilets, sanitary system, and other plumbing system components)
  • Interior (floors and ceilings, walls, stairs (if applicable) and banisters, finishes, sinks, cabinets, shelving, built-in appliances, smoke detectors and safety-related items, and other visible interior-related components)
  • Heating and Cooling Systems (furnace, air cleaning parts, ductwork, electronic monoxide testing, fittings, air conditioner and lines, and other visible related HVAC components)
  • Electrical Systems (service entry and clearances, service panel, switches and outlets, visible wiring and junction boxes, grounding system, and other related electrical components)
  • Foundations/ Slabs/ Basements, Crawl Spaces (as applicable; insulation, ventilation, posts, vapor barriers, utility attachment, structural items, floors and walls, and columns)
  • Exterior (siding materials, attachments, windows, doors, sashes and lintels, vents, entryways, and other visible exterior related components)
  • Decks / Porches
  • Fireplaces level 1 inspections