What to Expect in a Home Inspection

 Whenever you sign an agreement to purchase a home, you should always make sure to get a home inspection.  Most standard contracts have an inspection period that allows for you to back out of the contract if something major is wrong with the property. An inspection will help you determine what type of work needs to be done, if any. Most people know they need an inspection; however, they do not know what to expect from one.

Usually the first thing an inspector does is inspect the exterior of the home. They check the roof to determine what type of roof it is and also how old it is. They look at the windows and see what kind of windows they are. They examine the exterior to see how the home was built. They see whether or not the home is brick, vinyl or fibrous board. As they walk around the house, they see how the airflow is around the house between the vegetation, because vegetation brings moisture and if there is a lot of moisture this could cause wood rot and possibly mold. During a home inspection, they will also look at the hot water heaters and make sure they are running correctly.

The inside of the home is next on the list. Typically when inspecting the inside of a home, they will start with the kitchen. They will check the appliance by turning then on and making sure that everything is in working order and that it is not leaking, they will measure the temperatures of the refrigerator, stove and all appliances with their infrared thermometer. Most times they will open all the drawers and cabinets. They follow this procedure of checking the faucets and opening all drawers in cabinets in the bathroom. They check all the electrical and make sure that there is power.

The rule of thumb is that for every 1,000 square feet, the home inspection usually takes approximately 1 hour. After the inspection concludes, the inspector will provide the buyer or seller (whoever ordered the inspection) with the detailed report on the findings of the inspection. This report will help a buyer and seller determine what if anything needs to be repaired. If all goes well with the inspection, then the buyer has the ability to move forward with the contract. If repairs are needed, then typically the buyer can either negotiate the price to use the extra money to make the repairs or the seller can make the appropriate repairs and then the buyer can move forward with purchasing the home.