subject: What Is Checked During A Home Inspection [print this page] No home buyer should ever close on a home purchase without first having a complete inspection. This applies even if the house is brand new, and the relatively small investment could ultimately save you money if any problems occur from the house not being inspected. The inspection is in your best interest because you will know more about your potential home than any of the previous tours you took. Finding and fixing these problems early is the best way to ensure the longevity of your house for both you and any potential home buyers that might be interested in your house.
Your first responsibility will be to select a certified home inspector and accompany the inspector throughout the entire process. It could take around three or more hours depending on the size of the home and surrounding property.
Usually it will start on the outside of the structure. The foundation, electrical fixtures, faucets, windows, porches, pools, patios, entrance doors and the roof will be checked. A garage or carport will be covered at this time as well. Each of these areas will be checked for such things as structural damage, water damage, electrical damage, any other kinds of mechanical damage, and even wood eating bugs.
Upon entering the home, several electrical outlets will be tested. Your inspector will note the type of service and its condition. The air conditioning and heating systems will be checked at the same time.
Next you may find yourself in the kitchen where the inspector will turn on all stove burners, the oven and range hood. He will run water through the sink and turn on the disposal and dishwasher. He will and check for ground fault interrupter (GFI) electrical outlets.
In the bathrooms the electrical outlets will be tested to make sure they are GFI protected. Toilets will be flushed and all plumbing will be checked in the sinks, tubs and showers.
Your final report should be in your hands within a day, and the finished product can be as long as 20 pages or more. This detailed report will inform you of any potential problems there might be with your home and also ways on how to go about fixing them, including hiring outside contractors to help. It is important to take note of any of these problems because the faster they are found and fixed, the longer your houses life will be.
