subject: What Is Home Inspection? [print this page] Home Inspection is a study of determining the problems your property has which can be overseen by the sellers. This study has to be done by a certified professional to be able to do a thorough and reliable search of your home. The inspector must submit an unbiased report on his findings with the regards to the condition of the property.
Home Inspection service is limited in the sense that the inspectors do not have x-ray visions to be able to see anything. They can only inspect every nook and cranny inside and out. But the good thing is, they have the ability to identify a problem not ordinary individuals can do, or might be overseen by someone else. They will meticulously check on almost everything to at least investigate on most of the items, if not all.
So what are the things that can and cannot be identified by an inspector? Inspectors are trained to check on the structural elements of the property such as the construction of walls, ceilings, roof and foundation. Exterior Evaluation can also be done in a home inspection which includes landscapes, windows, doors and the like. He should also inspect the roof and attic, the plumbing, the systems and components, garage, appliances as well as the electrical. With all the services listed above, there are also some things that cannot be done by a home inspector. An inspectors standard practice does not include the determining of some risks such as asbestos, radiation, rodents, wood destroying organisms, molds, mildew, fungi and lead. These things need a specialized individual with a specific license to identify them.
It is for the convenience of both buyer and seller to go through a home inspection. It is necessary to have the property inspected before selling it so you will know what are the things that need to be repaired or are not working properly. You will also be able to know which is failing and might soon give way. On the other hand, the buyer also should know what to expect from the property he is going to buy. He also has the right to know what the things that need to be repaired are and the severity of the damage. He will then be able to know how much more money he needs to put the house back into tip top shape.
Having some negative statements form the inspector should not be a reason to be discouraged. You are also not obliged to make any unnecessary repairs of the house although the buyers are likely to withdraw the contract. But some buyers just opts to know the real physical condition of the house and might still make the purchase and do the repairs themselves.