A home inspection is a crucial step in the home selling or buying process. It allows the buyer to determine any problems with the property before the closing of the sale. On the other hand, the seller can address issues with the house that require immediate attention to negotiate a final price with the buyer.

We are here to provide you with valuable information to help you navigate this process and be prepared for whatever comes your way.

Whether you are a home buyer or seller, here is everything you need to know about a home inspection.

What Does a Home Inspector Do?

A third-party home inspector is a qualified individual who performs a detailed inspection of the property. By assessing its structural integrity and safety, they can alert the buyer or seller regarding potential risks and damages.

Once the home inspector has identified any problems, the buyer may be able to negotiate the price with the seller or request repairs. The entire inspection process is a beneficial way to ensure that the property is free from hazards and worth the investment.

How Long Do Home Inspections Take?

A home inspection can generally take between two to four hours. However, it can take more time, depending on your unique circumstances. Several factors that can affect the duration of home inspections include the following:

Size of the property
The number of defects
Meticulousness of the inspector.
Helpfulness of the owner when preparing for the home inspection

Home Inspection Checklist

During the inspection, home inspectors evaluate a variety of aspects of a property. Below are some of the major things they look for:

Foundation

The foundation is one of the most important elements of any property – if it’s not functioning properly, the whole house could be unstable. Home inspectors will check both the inside and outside of the house to check for signs that the foundation is faulty.

The most common signs are unusual cracks as well as slanting. For example, you may have cracked tiles or doors that don’t close properly.

Electrical

The home inspector will look at different electrical components of the house to make sure that they are working properly and up to code.

They start by checking the wiring to make sure that it has insulation. Uninsulated sections of the wire could pose a fire hazard, especially if they are near bushes and trees.

Moving inside, they will check every electrical outlet and switch to make sure it is working as intended. They will also make sure each of these are up-to-code and aren’t using outdated designs.

For example, many older homes had knob and tube wiring, which was dangerous since these typically lacked a ground wire. If there was extra electricity, it could pose a fire hazard since the circuits would be overloaded.

Plumbing

All aspects of plumbing in the property will be checked, including sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, pipes, and water lines. The home inspector will test the water pressure in every faucet to make sure that it flows properly.

They will also look at the pipes and hydrants to protect them from leaks while ensuring they are up to code. If the pipes are too old, the inspector may recommend another inspection or replacement by a plumbing specialist.

Heating and Air Conditioning Units

In a home inspection, the heating and air conditioning systems are thoroughly checked. This ensures that the units are in correct working order and free from fire hazards.

The home inspector will determine whether the heating or cooling system is providing the desired temperature. They will also look at the age of the unit so that proper maintenance, repair, or replacement can be done.

After visually inspecting these systems, the inspector will also perform a manual check and ensure safety from any gas leaks.

Roof

One of the top items in the home inspection checklist is the roof. It offers protection from different elements that can potentially damage the property. The inspector will check the condition of the roof to ensure that it is functioning well.

They will look at various areas where there could be poor installation or damage from leaks, loose or missing shingles, or wood rot. By identifying any signs of hazards, the home inspector can recommend repairs or further inspection by a roofing or wind mitigation specialist.

If you’ve ever asked, “what do wind mitigation inspections cover?” you should know that they cover the overall condition of the roof, including the shingles and roof decking. This ensures the safety and stability of the property from storms or strong winds.

Conclusion

Out of everything you need to know about a home inspection, perhaps the most important thing is that they’re incredibly vital. If you’re buying a house, you can ensure your new house is safe and of good value. Meanwhile, if you’re selling a house, you can indicate to the buyer that you’re trustworthy, and have greater confidence in what you’re selling.

Everything You Need to Know About A Home Inspection