FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Home inspections are used to provide an opportunity for a buyer to identify any major issues with a home prior to closing.

In new home construction, inspections generally cover:

• Foundations: Checking before the concrete is poured (once poured, there’s very little that can be corrected).

• Pre-drywall: Checking the structure and mechanics before the drywall is laid.

• Full inspection: A full walk-through is performed of the completed home.

What a Home Inspection Covers

Inspectors vary in experience, ability, and thoroughness, but a good inspector should examine certain components of the home and then produce a report covering his or her findings.

The inspector should note:

• Whether each problem is a safety issue, major defect, or minor defect

• Which items need replacement and which should be repaired or serviced

• Items that are suitable for now but that should be monitored closely

A really good inspector will even tell you about routine maintenance that should be performed, which can be a great help if you are a first-time homebuyer. 

(see. Top Tips for first-time home buyers)

While it is impossible to list everything an inspector could possibly check for, the following list will give you a general idea of what to expect.

Exterior Inspection

The inspector will complete a full inspection of the outside of the structure. This will include climbing into any crawlspaces under the home and using a ladder to reach and inspect the roof and other items.

Exterior walls

The inspector will check for damaged or missing siding, cracks and whether the soil is in excessively close contact with the bottom of the house, which can invite wood-destroying insects. However, the pest inspector (yes, you might want to engage one of those too), not the home inspector, will check for actual damage from termites, etc. The inspector will let you know which problems are cosmetic and which could be more serious.

Foundation

If the foundation is not visible, and it usually is not, the inspector will not be able to examine it directly, but he or she can check for secondary evidence of foundation issues, like cracks or settling.

Grading

The inspector will let you know whether the grading slopes away from the house as it should. If it doesn't, water could get into the house and cause damage, and you will need to either change the slope of the yard or install a drainage system.

Garage or Carport

The inspector will test the garage door for proper opening and closing, check the garage framing if it is visible and determine if the garage is properly ventilated (to prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning). If the water heater is in the garage, the inspector will make sure it is installed high enough off the ground to minimize the risk of explosion from gasoline fumes mingling with the heater's flame.

Roof

The inspector will check for areas where roof damage or poor installation could allow water to enter the home, such as loose, missing or improperly secured shingles and cracked or damaged mastic around vents. He or she will also check the condition of the gutters.

Interior Inspection

The inspector will also complete a thorough inspection of the interior of the home. He will inspect everything from the ceiling to the cabinets under the sink.

Plumbing

The home inspector will check all faucets and showers, look for visible leaks and test the water pressure. He or she will also identify the kind of pipes the house has if any pipes are visible. The inspector may recommend a secondary inspection if the pipes are old to determine if or when they might need to be replaced and how much the work would cost. The inspector will also identify the location of the home's main water shutoff valve.

Electrical

The inspector will identify the kind of wiring the home has, test all the outlets and make sure there are functional ground fault circuit interrupters (which can protect you from electrocution, electric shock, and electrical burns) installed in areas like the bathrooms, kitchen, garage and outdoors. He or she will also check your electrical panel for any safety issues and check your electrical outlets to make sure they do not present a fire hazard.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

The inspector will look at your HVAC system to estimate the age of the furnace and air conditioner, determine if they function properly and recommend repairs or maintenance. An inspector can also give you an idea of the age of the home's ducting, whether it might have leaks if your home has sufficient insulation to minimize your energy bills and whether there is any asbestos insulation.

Water heater. The home inspector will identify the age of the heater and determine if it is properly installed and secured. The inspector will also let you know what kind of condition it is in and give you a general idea of how many years it has left.

Kitchen Appliances

The inspector will sometimes check kitchen appliances that come with the home to make sure they work, but these are not always part of the inspection. If you think you'll want to keep them, be sure to ask which ones are not included so that you can test them yourself.

Laundry Room

The inspector will make sure the laundry room is properly vented. A poorly maintained dryer-exhaust system can be a serious fire hazard.

Fire Safety

If the home has an attached garage, the inspector will make sure the wall has the proper fire rating and that it hasn't been damaged in any way that would compromise its fire rating. He or she will also test the home's smoke detectors.

Bathrooms

The inspector will check for visible leaks, properly secured toilets, adequate ventilation, and other issues. If the bathroom does not have a window and/or a ventilation fan, mold and mildew can become problems and moisture can warp wood cabinets over time.

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