If you’re a soon-to-be homeowner, the thought of having your future home inspected before purchasing it can be scary or stressful. With some inspectors who are more stringent than others, as well as the potential for fraud, it’s important to find a qualified, legitimate professional for the job. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the typical home inspection so you can make sure the inspection is done right the first time around.
Exterior Inspections
Your soon-to-be home’s exterior is often the first area to be inspected. It’s the first thing the inspector sees upon arriving at the property, and that’s what the general public will see as they’re passing. With that in mind, it’s critical that the home’s outward appearance is in impeccable condition.
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, typical areas to examine include the exterior wall coverings — including any siding or paneling — any access doors and attached decks, balconies, porches or stoops. Driveways, walkways and entryways are also inspected.
The roof will also be inspected, including any drainage systems, chimneys, skylights or other features. However, installations such as antennae or vents and chimneys that are not easily accessible are not necessary.
While the above list is quite inclusive, there are some areas that go beyond the home inspector’s scope of responsibility. This includes seasonal fixtures such as temporary awnings, screening or shutters, fences or walls surrounding the property and, for those living near the water, seawalls or docks. While garages and carports are to be inspected, other external buildings, such as pole barns and sheds, do not require inspection.
Interior Inspections
Most inspectors will immediately move on to the interior of the home once their exterior inspection is complete. For exceptionally large properties, an inspector might schedule a second appointment.
Regardless, the interior inspection focuses on your new home’s floors, ceilings, walls, countertops, stairways and railing systems. While cupboards and cabinets do require scrutiny, inspectors do not need to look at every one. Instead, they can choose a representative number to inspect and verify.
Any previously installed home appliances, such as ovens, microwaves, dishwashers and food disposal systems, will also be inspected for functionality as well as their overall condition.
There are also several features that don’t require inspection or confirmation. Any paint, wallpaper or floor coverings are not to be inspected. Interior window treatments, central vacuum installations and freestanding appliances in the kitchen or laundry room are also exempt.
Plumbing hardware and electrical systems are eligible for inspection, but heating infrastructure and cooling systems only require a basic visual inspection and verification.
Home Performance Testing
Although home performance testing is not required by law, many would-be homeowners, especially first-time buyers, opt for the service. Not only can home performance testing help you achieve greater energy efficiency and minimize your monthly utility bills, but it can also identify serious concerns with the air quality of the property.
Gas and carbon monoxide leaks can be fatal when left unchecked. Even the buildup of excess dust can be harmful to human lungs over the course of time. Air filtration and UV light treatment are among the most common methods for addressing such issues.
Ease Your Concerns and Ace That Inspection
While it’s easy to stress about an upcoming inspection, try to remember that it’s not a life-or-death situation. A home inspector cannot give the property a failing score. Instead, their job is to identify any potential concerns and document them as necessary. Keeping this in mind makes it much easier to work with the inspector instead of against them.
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