Congratulations! You purchased a home. The next step is to get your home inspected. A home inspection ensures the integrity of your home. A general home home inspection inspector performs a visible inspection of the home's internal and external systems. A general home home inspection inspector inspects:
- Building Interior: walls, floors, ceilings, doorways, etc - Kitchen and Laundry Areas and Fixtures - Bathroom Interiors and Fixtures - Fireplaces and Chimneys - Garages and Carports - Building Exterior: walls, foundation, windows, etc. - Roof, Attic and Gutters - General Foundation - General Drainage - Fences and Gates, Driveway, Patios and Covers, Decks and Balconies, Exterior Stairs - Plumbing - Electrical - Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
After the inspection, the home inspector creates a report listing all defects found in the home and presents it to the home owner.
However, a home inspection is not a guarantee; rather, it's a professional inspection of your homes visible interiors and exteriors. A general home home inspection inspector does not inspect a home to make sure it's up to code. He/she only inspects for damage such as water damage, malfunctioning electrical switches and outlets, non-functioning fixtures, cracks in ceilings, etc. A general home home inspection inspector does not verify whether or not the patio cover is built to code. He/she simply inspects the patio cover for cracks and visible structural imperfections.
An honest general home home inspection inspector does not suggest contractors or repairmen to make repairs on the defects he/she finds. This is a conflict of interest. If a home inspector is inspecting your home for imperfections and defects, and then refers you to a specific repairman who can make these repairs for you, you have to think whether or not the home inspector is being honest with you regarding the specific defects he/she found. Think about it; a general home home inspection inspector is a trained professional who knows what to look for. Small cracks, water stains, and minor electrical problems could communicate much larger, internal problems. To you and I, a malfunctioning electrical switch is just a minor annoyance. A home inspector knows how to interpret these defects and determine if the problem is much larger. However, if the home inspector is trying to get business for a friend who's an electrical handyman, the home inspector might tell you that the malfunctioning electrical switch is a result of bad wiring in the house, and all the homes wiring needs to be replaced, when in reality, the only thing that needs to be replaced is the switch itself.
If a home inspector offers to make repairs himself or suggest a "friend" who can make the necessary repairs, report them to:
American Society of Home Inspectors , Inc. (ASHI) 932 Lee Street, Suite 101 Des Plaines, Illinois, 60016
1-800-743-ASHI (2744)
Also, a general home home inspection inspector does not establish the value of a home. A home appraiser is the real estate professional who performs that job. A general home home inspection inspector is not involved in establishing the value of a home at any level. He/she simply inspects the home and reports any visible defects.
A home inspection helps you establish the structural integrity of your home. However it is merely a professional analysis of your homes internal and external systems, not a guarantee. That's why when you choose a general home home inspection inspector, be sure to check his/her credentials. A quality and honest home inspector will be insured, educated, experienced, and certified by a top home inspection association.
Purchasing Real Estate is not for the faint of heart. Purchasers of new and used homes expect their dream home to be completely free of defects. Hiring a home inspector is their reassurance that their expectations will be met when they inhabit their dream home. Why, you ask, are countless claims are made against inspectors, Realtors and sellers for sundry defects that were not disclosed at the time of purchase. Some of these claims are valid, but some are not. Some of the conditions found after the buyers move in were not apparent at the time of the transaction, while others were plainly visible but were simply missed by the inspector. Sometimes these misses are the result of mere human error, but there are also times when they reflect professional negligence. Unfortunately, some negligent inspectors may not take responsibility for mistakes, while the true professional will step up to the plate and accept responsibility for his errors. In all fields of human effort, errors are inevitable. Even the most competent and experienced home inspectors miss apparent defects and are sometimes called to account. When a professional home inspector gets the call from a client he is faced with an ethical dilemma that may or may not cause him to act as professional. If, in fact, he had missed a defect that was visible at the time of the inspection, he should immediately proceed to rectify the defect for the client. As soon as the call is received, the home inspector, should show the appropriate concern and make a visit to the home as soon as possible. Apparent disinterest is like salt in a wound, aggravating a situation that is already uncomfortable and which may be teetering between resolution and conflict. An honest and proactive show of interest can often defuse a sensitive and potentially explosive situation. Sometimes a few hours or dollars invested can save thousands of dollars of needless legal warfare, while cementing a lasting relationship and bolstering a good reputation. Often, the reported problem turns out to be minor, the inspector provides reassurance, and an avoidable dispute is laid to rest. Buyers should be aware that the primary purpose of a home inspection is not to provide a list of every minor flaw and cosmetic defect, but to identify major defects and problems. Many home inspectors include other disclosures as a courtesy, to provide a more complete overview of the general condition of the property and to give the home purchaser a list of maintenance type issues that may be required. Holding an inspector liable for nondisclosure of minor problems, such as a loose fence, doors that rub or a window that is painted shut, is inappropriate and is not within the scope of the home inspection. Finally, home inspectors work for the home buyer, and provide a valuable service. I enjoy my job and always ensure that my personal service to the client is a positive experience that they will remember and hopefully pass on to friends and family. I have done many 2nd generation inspections that were the result of clients that were extremely happy with my service. I truly love my profession and I believe my workmanship reflects that love.
Both Jim Waltman & Inspector are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jim Waltman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Puppies Dogs and Home Management. For more valuable information on home inspection, read about the .. Jim Waltman's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
Inspector has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Real Estate and Buying and Selling Home. Roger Frost is the founder of Napoleon Home Inspections, which has offices in Barrie and Toronto Ontario. Read more articles on home improvement and renovations at