A home inspection is a professional consulting service that determines the current condition of a home’s major systems, based on a visual and sometimes functional inspection of accessible features.
It focuses on the overall performance of the home, rather than cosmetic, local building code or design issues.
Home Inspections are most often performed during a real estate transaction, but can be done anytime.
A Home Inspection Includes:
An in-field evaluation and professional opinion of the performance of the readily accessible installed systems in a home at one point in time.
Primarily a visual examination. They will climb in attics and under houses, but they do not remove anything to check behind it or check systems internally.
Intended to identify components that are significantly deficient, unsafe or near the end of their life.
Documented with a written report and typically includes photos of perceived trouble areas.
A Home Inspection Is Not:
An insurance policy, guarantee or warranty on the home
An invasive or destructive evaluation
Intended to identify concealed defects
A code or design review
Intended to predict future performance or life expectancy of home systems
An environmental review or residential energy audit
System and Components Included:
Roof
Structure
Exterior
Electrical system
Heating and Air Conditioning system
Plumbing system
Insulation and Vapor Barriers
Interior
Mechanical and Natural Ventilation systems
Elements Not Included:
Home Cosmetics
Outbuildings (Detached Garages, Sheds, Pole Barns, Etc…)
Swimming pools and spas
Specialty systems including telephone, cable TV, alarm systems, lawn sprinklers and septics
Note: You may be able to find inspectors for these various system, but those will be in addition to the home inspection and will require an additional charge.