What a home inspection is. A home inspection is visual surveillance over the physical structure and major interior parts of a residence. This ?home? can be a house, a condominium, an apartment or any other sort of dwelling up to four units. A home inspector will look over parts of the structure of the home that are easily visible. Examples of the structures looked over are walls, ceilings, roofs, windows, floors, basements, air conditioning systems, the plumbing, heating systems, doors and electrical systems.

A home inspection is not an appraisal. It has nothing to do with insurance policies or building code inspections. There are no guarantees given in an inspection. Home inspections also don't cover simple blemishes in a structure visible to the eye. Cosmetic imperfections such as chipped paint are also flaws that a home inspector does not pause on.

What a Home Inspector Will Do

As mentioned above, during a home inspection an inspector will examine walls, floors and electrical systems. They are getting you information on the condition of the home you are thinking of purchasing. They will let you know if there are visible problems in areas that you were unable to get to for inspection. Their trained eyes will also be able to let you know if your potential future residence has concealed damage. They will provide you with a list of what they feel should be repaired.

Additional tests/visual inspections may be made depending on what you desire, or what your home inspection professional feels might be advantageous. This can include inspections for rats, bugs such as cockroaches and termites, or air quality tests for Radon. Other potential red flags include lead paint and faulty insulation.

Finding and Choosing a Home Inspector

A mortgage broker is the best place to find a recommendation for somebody who can give you a home inspection before purchasing your next property. You can also look in the phone book to find local listings. Alternately, you can learn the basics of home inspection yourself and even study to become certified. Not all states require certification for their inspectors, so it wouldn't hurt to ask to see the paperwork from a potential home inspector. Knowledge and experience are more worthwhile at times than a piece of paper stating a person is certified. Use your own judgement.

Once you have selected the person to do your home inspection, make a time that is convenient for you and the inspector to meet up at the potential future residence. Though it is not mandatory for you to be at the house while the inspection is taking place, it is recommended. That will give you the chance to go through the house with the inspector, see what they see, and ask any questions along the way. You may also assist in making sure the path is clear and the areas searched are well lit. Throughout the inspection, the inspector will be taking notes and you'll be able to read them and comprehend them better, as the inspector will write a final report and analysis of the property.