Home Inspections

Most home inspection contracts pertain to residences in the middle of a real estate transaction. Most commonly, the home inspection is a contingency buyers place on their purchase agreement, and sometimes sellers order a pre-listing inspection as a preemptive measure. But conscientious homeowners who sense that the condition of their abode is getting away from them can also benefit from a professional inspector examining their house and helping them to get back on track. They will save in the long term simply because it is less expensive to nip problems in the bud.

A home inspection is not a necessary prelude to getting one's house in shape. The owner probably has at least a vague idea of what needs to be repaired and replaced, upgraded and renovated. Perhaps he has saved a do-it-yourself guide out of the newspaper or found helpful pointers off the Internet. But if he really wants to make sure that he isn't overlooking anything, he should hire a home inspector. This is particularly the case if he can't honestly say whether or not his dwelling has a pest infestation or structural integrity problem. Damage from wood-destroying insects just gets worse and more costly the longer it is allowed to fester.

Let's look at some of the house components and systems that an inspection will investigate. In addition to looking for structural damage to beams and joists from pests, the inspector will examine the condition of the foundation and other structural members. He will also keep an eye out for conditions that are conducive to infestation, such as wet or very damp areas, soil in contact with siding, or vegetation growing too close to the building. Overall roof condition is included in the inspection, as is siding.

The home inspector not only will evaluate the serviceability of the furnace, but will also assess heating efficiency and capacity. He will estimate the volume of combustion air that all house appliances require and check that sufficient supply is available. The inspection also includes a review of sufficient draft air and the condition of chimneys and vents. Similarly, serviceability, capacity, and combustion needs of the water heater are a standard part of the home inspection.

For a comfortable living environment, there must be a balanced interior flow of air, heat, and moisture. Influencing this balance is the presence or absence of insulation, vapor barriers, and adequate ventilation. These elements are an important aspect of the home inspection, especially in the attic and crawl space.

A well-functioning house implies well-functioning plumbing, including proper intake, distribution, draining, and venting. Plumbing is a key focus of the home inspection because defects in this area often lead to more serious problems. Besides looking for leaks, the inspector typically measures water pressure and temperature, tests for adequate venting and fan exhaust, and checks for air gaps, backflow prevention, and other methods of preventing cross connections.

The inspection report is the product that the customer's money really buys. Its usefulness is both immediate and long-term. It contains recommendations for remedying defects that need attention right away, and may indicate others that warrant monitoring. There should be estimates of life expectancy for the roof, furnace, and water heater. There should be recommendations regarding appropriate servicing arrangements to maintain the major appliances and systems. Treating the report as a reference document and acting upon its recommendations, the homeowner keeps his home in good condition and saves major unexpected expenses and worries.