A home inspection consists of a thorough examination of a home's condition, typically conducted by a professional home inspector. While usually performed when a home is being bought or sold, home inspections can also be done for other reasons, such as to reevaluate the home’s condition after a natural disaster. The process can help both buyers and sellers better understand a home's condition and avoid any major surprises after the sale is complete.
What happens during a home inspection?
During a home inspection, the physical structure and systems of a home are thoroughly examined, right from the foundation to the roof. It is a key part of the home-buying process and can take up to three hours. The home inspector will also look for signs of termites or other pests, and potential water damage. After the inspection, the inspector will provide a report that details any problems that were found.
The home inspector’s checklist
Here’s a list of the top 5 things that a home inspector looks for during a home inspection:
Foundation: The home inspector will look for cracks or other damage to the foundation. They will also check whether the foundation can adequately support the house’s structure.
Roof: They will also look for missing or damaged shingles and check the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear and in good condition.
Plumbing: The plumbing system will be inspected for leaks or other problems. The home inspector will also check the water pressure and make sure the fixtures are in good working order.
Electrical systems: They will check the electrical panel and all the wiring in the home. The inspector will also test the outlets to make sure they are working properly.
HVAC system: The home inspector will check the home's furnace, air conditioner, and all the ductwork. They will also test the thermostat to see if it is regulating the temperature or not.
What a home inspection is ‘NOT’
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A home inspection is not the same as an appraisal. An appraisal involves the calculation of a house’s market worth and is often requested by a lender.
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A home inspection is also not a code inspection. A code inspection is carried out to determine whether a house complies with the minimum requirements specified by local building rules.
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A home inspection is not a pass/fail exercise. An inspection of a home is not a pass/fail exercise. A home inspection aims to inform potential buyers about the state of the property so they may decide whether or not to buy it.
What happens if the home inspection reveals underlying problems?
The inspection report will identify any problems with the home that need to be addressed. The buyer and seller will then negotiate who is responsible for fixing the problems. If the buyer is responsible for fixing the problems, they will likely ask for a reduction in the purchase price. If the seller is responsible for the repairs, they will likely do so before the sale is finalized.
Why choose Worthy Inspections for your home inspection?
If you are looking for reliable home inspection services, look no further than Worthy Inspections. We are a business serving Northwestern Montana for years and are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality home inspection services possible. Our team of certified home inspectors will thoroughly inspect your home from top to bottom, inside and out, and provide you with a detailed report of our findings. We also offer a variety of other services, such as radon testing, pest inspection, and water testing.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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