A man with an iPad inspects the outside of a house, showing one thing you can expect from a professional home inspection.

These days, there are a lot of DIY methods for buying or selling a home – including the home inspection process. While it may seem tempting to skip a home inspection or to ask a handy friend or family member to complete it for you, hiring a licensed home inspector can help reveal any looming issues in the home that could cost you more than you initially bargained for.

If you’re currently in the process of buying a home, here’s what you can expect from a thorough home inspection:

  1. The inspector reviews the exterior of the home. This inspection generally takes a couple of hours and includes:
    • Checking the integrity of the home’s structure and foundation
    • Inspecting the condition of the roof and chimney
    • Assessing the stability and condition of any porches, decks, or patios
    • Ensuring the structural integrity of any garages and carports
    • Evaluating the quality of any landscaping

  2. The inspector walks through the interior of the home. This portion of the inspection examines:

    • Pipes and plumbing, to check for corrosion or leaks
    • Electrical systems
    • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
    • Attic, basement, and crawlspace conditions
    • Windows and doors for water damage or drafts
    • Major kitchen appliances
    • Bathrooms for signs of water damage
    • Fire, smoke, and sprinkler systems

  3. The inspector provides a complete list of necessary repairs. If there are any major issues, the inspector outlines what repairs should be done before purchasing the home. While they can’t complete the repairs themselves, they can give you a clearer picture of how much work is required and may be able to refer you to a trusted contractor.

A typical home inspection for any costly hidden issues can take a few hours and should include a thorough review of the home’s interior and exterior by a licensed inspector.

Why should you get a home inspection?

The inspector’s report can help you understand the quality of your potential investment and shed light on costly and necessary repairs. You can also use the inspection report to explore possible negotiations with the seller. If large and expensive repairs are uncovered in the inspection, work with your real estate agent to request a lower selling price or create a new condition that repairs must be done before you buy the house.

What isn’t included in a typical home inspection?

Most general home inspectors won’t check for asbestos, radon, pests, rodents, or fungi. Many also won’t look at sewer or septic systems, so it’s best to hire a specialized inspector if you plan to purchase an older home with an original septic or waste system. Additionally, consider having a full property survey done by a professional to be sure there aren’t any drainage or grading issues around your home.

Did you know that several factors could affect your insurance? For more information on how a home inspection and its findings could affect your home insurance rates, contact your group’s licensed insurance broker.

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