A Thorough, Professional Home Inspection Process

A home inspector evaluates the condition of the home’s major systems and components, including the foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical system, heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows, doors, appliances, and overall structural integrity. They look for safety hazards, signs of damage, or potential issues that might need repair.

A typical home inspection lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property. Larger or older homes may take longer, while smaller or newer homes may take less time.

While it’s not required, it’s highly recommended that the buyer (or seller, if it’s a pre-sale inspection) be present during the inspection. This allows you to ask questions and get a better understanding of the inspector’s findings firsthand. It also helps to clarify concerns as they arise.

A home inspection focuses on the physical condition of the home, looking for defects or safety issues. An appraisal, on the other hand, is a valuation of the home, typically required by a lender to ensure the property's value is in line with the loan amount.

No, home inspections are not legally required, but they are highly recommended. Many buyers choose to get one as part of the due diligence process. In some cases, especially with certain types of loans, an inspection may be required by the lender.

The cost of a home inspection typically starting prices are around $400 on up, depending on the size, age, pool/spa, crawl space, additional building on the property, and driving distance.

A home inspection is not a pass/fail test, but rather an evaluation of the home's condition. The inspection report will outline any issues or concerns which may affect your decision to move forward with the purchase or negotiate repairs or price adjustments.

A home inspection is an assessment of the property's current condition, while a home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major systems or appliances that break down after purchase. A warranty does not replace the need for an inspection.

While a home inspection is thorough, it doesn't cover everything. Inspectors typically don't assess cosmetic issues, hidden or inaccessible areas, or specific conditions like termites unless a separate inspection is requested. An inspector also won't remove walls or flooring to check for issues behind them.

After receiving the inspection report, carefully review it with your real estate agent to discuss any significant issues or repairs. You can then decide whether to move forward with the purchase, negotiate repairs or price adjustments.

Even if repairs have been made, the inspector will evaluate whether they were done properly and if the underlying issue was truly addressed. It's important to verify that repairs are up to industry standards.

If the inspector finds visible signs of mold or mildew, they will usually recommend further testing by a mold remediation specialist. It's important to address these issues quickly, as mold can cause health problems and potentially damage the structure of the home.

A standard home inspection doesn't include testing for pests (like termites). If you're concerned about these issues, you can request additional inspections, which may cost extra.

While a general home inspector can cover a broad range of issues, hiring a specialist may be necessary for specific concerns, such as mold, foundation problems, or pest infestations. If the general inspection uncovers a potential issue, it’s often a good idea to bring in a specialist for a more detailed examination.

While you can certainly look over the property yourself, a professional home inspector has the training, experience, and tools to identify hidden issues that you might miss. Home inspections are designed to be objective and thorough, which is why they’re worth the cost.

Look for an inspector who is licensed (if required in your area), experienced, and highly recommended. Check online reviews, ask for references, and verify their credentials. It’s also a good idea to ensure that the inspector is independent and not affiliated with the real estate agent or seller.