Whether you’re buying your first home or have been through the process before, understanding what happens during a home inspection can help ease any nerves and ensure you’re fully prepared. A home inspection is a crucial part of the home buying process, but it’s also beneficial for current homeowners who want to stay ahead of any potential issues.
Here’s a guide on what you can expect during a home inspection:
- Arrival and Introduction
When your home inspector arrives, they’ll introduce themselves and discuss the inspection process with you. If you’re the buyer, the inspector may also explain the focus areas of the inspection and give you an approximate timeline. The home inspection typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the home, the condition of the property, and the type of inspection being conducted.
- Exterior Inspection
The inspector will begin by examining the outside of the home. This includes:
- Roof: Inspecting the condition of the roof, including shingles, gutters, and downspouts.
- Siding and Foundation: Checking for any cracks or issues with the foundation, walls, and siding.
- Windows and Doors: Ensuring that windows and doors are in good working condition and properly sealed.
- Landscaping: Looking at the grading around the home to ensure water drainage flows away from the foundation to prevent moisture problems.
- Exterior Electrical Components
- Exterior AC Components
- Irrigation
- Pools
- Interior Inspection
Next, the inspector will move inside the house to evaluate its systems and structure. This includes:
- Plumbing: Checking for leaks, water pressure, and the condition of pipes and fixtures. The inspector will run the taps and flush toilets to ensure everything is in working order.
- Electrical Systems: Inspecting the electrical panel, outlets, and wiring to ensure they meet safety standards.
- Heating and Cooling: Testing the furnace, air conditioning, and other systems to ensure they’re functioning efficiently.
- Crawlspace and Attic: These spaces are critical to the structural integrity of the home. The inspector will check for signs of water damage, mold, or pests.
- Testing Key Components
Some areas of the home will require more detailed testing:
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensuring that detectors are present and functioning properly.
- Appliances: The inspector may test major appliances like the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher to ensure they’re in good working condition.
- Insulation: Evaluating insulation levels in the attic or walls to ensure proper energy efficiency.
- Windows and doors: Do they open and shut properly?
- In-Depth Look at the Structure
The inspector will look closely at the home’s structural components. This includes checking the framing, the roof structure, and other essential elements that support the home. Any major issues found during this part of the inspection could be significant red flags for both buyers and sellers.
- Report and Findings
After completing the inspection, the home inspector will provide a detailed report that outlines all of the findings. This report will include photos, descriptions of any issues, and recommended next steps. The inspector may provide a summary of the most important issues that need immediate attention, and some will include maintenance tips for less urgent concerns.
- Reviewing the Report
If you’re a buyer, once the inspection is completed, you’ll have the opportunity to review the report and discuss it with your real estate agent. If issues are discovered, you can decide how to proceed. This could mean requesting repairs from the seller, negotiating a lower price, or, in some cases, walking away from the deal if the problems are significant.
For current homeowners, the inspection report serves as a valuable tool to stay on top of repairs or maintenance. It’s always a good idea to schedule regular inspections to catch small problems before they turn into large, expensive issues.
- Final Thoughts
A home inspection is an essential step in ensuring the property you’re purchasing or maintaining is safe, sound, and free from hidden issues. By knowing what to expect during a home inspection, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions and address any problems promptly.
Remember, a professional home inspector is there to provide you with an objective evaluation of the home’s condition. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply looking to maintain your property, this step is one you don’t want to overlook.
Need an Expert Home Inspector?
If you’re getting ready to buy a new home or simply want a professional assessment of your current property, our team of experienced home inspectors is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your home inspection! HomeTech Home Inspections 407-644-6194
