subject: Getting A Home Inspection [print this page] A home inspection is done by a home inspector who can recognize the signs of improperly constructed buildings, or ones that have safety issues. Because of the scope of the inspection, it is best to have a qualified professional perform this service. Primarily, a visual inspection of the home and its components is completed, and additional services may be offered. The home inspector is focused on health and safety issues, not if the house meets code.
What is a home inspection report? The home inspection report is a written document completed by the person who performed the inspection. A narrative report is preferable to a simple checklist, because there is adequate room in a narrative report to detail all findings. Many reports are accompanied by pictures to document the findings.
What information is contained in this report? Inside the report you will find a precise list of everything the inspector saw. It starts with the age and address of the home, everyone who was present during the inspection, a definition of terms used in the report, and what the weather conditions were like. Following this is a system by system review of all the areas of the home that were evaluated.
This should include the structural components of the home, exterior, roof, plumbing, electrical system, heating, air conditioning, interiors, insulation and ventilation, and any built in kitchen appliance. Be very careful to pay attention to recommendation for further evaluations in any essential system. There is generally a section that lists all the areas found that need repair or further investigation. Because electric, plumbing, roof and foundations are specialty areas, make sure those are addressed by a qualified professional.
What does the report say about your home? The report gives a very precise and detailed description of the condition of your house. It may contain all positive information or a mix of positive and negative findings. With the report in hand, you will know exactly what the condition of the home is. This is helpful to you in a few ways. Firstly, now you know which areas of you house you need to have fixed, such as any structural damage. It also helps when you are trying to sell your home by showing the potential home buyer that the house is in top shape and is ready to be sold. Because of this, you should definitely consider getting your home inspected at regular intervals even if you are not planning on selling your house.
