What is a Home Inspection?

What is a Home Inspection?

In the process of closing a home sale, the buyer typically hires a home inspector to come to the house and perform a visual observation. In accordance with the state’s standards, the home inspector identifies health, safety, or major mechanical issues.

When Does a Home Inspection Happen During a Home Sale?

In a home sale, there are two types of home inspections: a buyer’s inspection and a seller’s inspection (or a pre-listing inspection). A buyer’s inspection occurs after the buyer has made an offer on the home, and before closing the sale. After a home inspection, the buyer may be able to renegotiate their offer or request repairs if certain issues come up.

A seller’s home inspection happens before the home is listed. Some sellers choose to get their home inspected as they’re beginning to prepare their house for sale, so they can fix any potential issues beforehand and save time in the closing process.

What Happens During a Home Inspection?

A typical home inspection takes a few hours for an average sized house. Then the report takes about 3-4 days to complete. The home inspector will go through the interior and exterior of the house to record any broken, defected, or hazardous issues with the house and the area surrounding the house.

Who Should Be Present During the Home Inspection?

Simple. The Inspector, The Agent and the Buyer(s) unless you have negotiated other parties to attend 

inspections and that information is included on the Agreement of Sale.

What Do Home Inspectors Look For?

Home inspectors have a long, thorough list of things to check in the home concentrating on health and safety concerns followed by major defects. Home inspectors look at issues such as:

• Water Damage
• Structural Issues
• Old/Damaged Roof
• Damaged Electrical System
• Plumbing Problems
• Insect and Pest Infestation
• Issues with the HVAC System

What Home Inspectors Do Not Look For

Home inspectors are not concerned with anything cosmetic in a home, unless it poses a potential safety issue. For example: If there is a large crack or water stain on a wall, they’ll report it. But they won’t report peeling wallpaper.