What to expect from a home inspector?
Home inspectors must be knowledgeable about all aspects of residential building systems and their operation. They must be able to recognize and report on non-performance and the potential for failure.
Inspectors should also be able to:
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Describe the system types and the materials involved;
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Recognize the typical defects and their implications, including safety concerns;
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Understand the features of adequate installation and repair technique;
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Use proper terminology;
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Perform inspections in a manner consistent with the standards of practice of the home inspection profession.
NO HOUSE IS PERFECT.
Not even brand new homes are flawless. But that doesn't mean you should give up the search for your dream home. It just means that when you find the right house, you need to go one step further and find out what problems exist and what could arise in the future.
Buying a house is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, so it makes good sense to have it checked out by a professional.
WHY HAVE A HOME INSPECTION PERFORMED?
The unknown is a source of anxiety for any homebuyer. A home inspection is for buyers who want to know the true condition of the house. After deciding that a home is suitable in terms of location, size, interior layout, and other lifestyle factors, it is also important to learn about the mechanical features.
Some of the items covered during an inspection are:
What (if any) structural work is necessary to ensure safety?
Is the electrical panel properly wired? Does it pose any special safety concerns?
How long before the roof will need replacing?
Are the insulation levels adequate?
Is the chimney safe and functional?
Is the fireplace safe?
How long before the furnace/air conditioning will need replacing?
Is there leakage in the basement? What are the possible causes and cures?
Prepare For
Your Home Inspection
Our typical inspection takes about 3 hours, and our inspectors typically get there a few minutes early and start with the outside of the house and inspect the roof, grading, and exterior before we head inside after the agent is there.
TrueView Home Inspections respects your privacy, and we won't move your belongings, so it's important that the major components of your home are readable and accessible.
If an area is sealed off like an attic or crawl space it is documented as a limitation of our report. The fewer the limitations the better the inspection process will be.
No home is perfect, even a new build. We're not there to nit-pick all the small things, our goal is to make sure the house is safe and structurally sound.
Top 7 Common
Inspection Limitations
01.
Roof and Exterior
Make sure walls are clear of storage so the inspector can get a good view of exterior and foundation.
04.
Attic
The inspector will need access to the attic. If access is in a closet, please unseal the access and remove any storage and shelving so they can get in.
07.
Air Conditioning
Not applicable in winter due to the cold. In warmer months, ensure breakers are on and the AC works.
The inspector will only operate the main control (thermostat). They will not turn on breakers as they assume it is off for a reason and any damage caused by turning on breakers they will have to pay for.
02.
Electrical
Ensure all storage is removed from the front of the electrical panel so the inspector can get to the panel.
05.
Interior Basement Walls
This area is commonly used for storage, so please move items away from the walls and concrete to allow the inspector to see clearly.
03.
Heating and Water Heaters
Remove all storage from around the furnace and water heater. The inspector will need access all around the area.
06.
Clear Clutter
Inspectors typically do not move items to avoid the risk of damage. As a result, anything obstructed will be noted as 'unable to inspect' in the report, which may raise questions from potential buyers.
