What Can I Expect from a Professional Home Inspection?

What can I expect from a professional home inspection is a question most buyers ask during the home buying process.  The job of a professional home inspector is to look over every major part of the home and prepare a report.  The usual components of a home inspection  focus on the structural and mechanical properties of the home.
The example I give is if the dishwasher is dented that doesn't count as a repair.  If it's leaking water that is a repair. On the day of the inspection  it's best to be in attendance and follow as the home inspection takes place.  That way when the home inspector finds a problem he can clearly explain the issue. Finally, the cost of the home inspection is part of your closing costs.
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The territory covered by the home inspection:

EXTERIOR home inspection items

•  foundation - holes, cracks
•  gutters and downspouts - gaps, sagging
•  siding - warping
•  paint - peeling, blistering
•  windows and doors  - cracks, loose caulk
•  roof - worn spots
•  chimney - loose bricks, stone; tilting
•  driveways, retaining walls, and walkways - sagging, cracks
•  land - proper water drainage

INTERIOR home inspection items:

•  general structure - soundness, rot
•  floors and stairs - squeaking shaking
•  plumbing system -  general condition, leaks, clogs
•  heating and cooling system - condition
•  electrical system - condition, proper grounding
•  insulation - thickness, efficiency
•  walls - cracks
•  kitchen - age and condition of appliances

The Home Inspection Report will be used to create a Request for Repairs to be sent to the seller.  It  is up to the buyer to decide which items from the home inspection will be asked to be repaired.  This is part of the negotiation process between the buyer's agent and the selling agent.  

It's also wise to have a home inspection done prior to listing your for sale.  That way you can take care of all the repairs up front.  It's a great marketing tool!
"This home has been pre-inspected!"  It shows confidence in your home.


What Can I expect from a Professional Home Inspection? was first published on Discover Cary.

Copyright© Linda Lohman, All rights reserved, *What Can I expect from a Professional Home Inspection?*