What Happens at a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a thorough examination of a property’s condition, typically conducted by a licensed and qualified home inspector. The purpose is to assess the overall state of the property and identify any potential issues or areas that may need repair or attention. Here’s what typically happens during a home inspection:

1. Scheduling and Arriving: The buyer (or their real estate agent) usually schedules the inspection after an offer is accepted, but before the final sale. The inspector arrives at the property at the agreed-upon time.
2. Exterior Inspection:
   • The inspector starts by examining the exterior of the property, including the foundation, walls, roof, gutters, windows, doors, and any visible structures (like decks or porches).
   • They check for signs of damage, such as cracks, water stains, or deterioration.
3. Interior Inspection:
   • The inspector then moves inside the house, examining each room and area.
   • They assess the condition of walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and stairs.
4. Systems Inspection:
   • The inspector examines the major systems of the house, including:
     • Plumbing: They check for leaks, water pressure, and functionality of fixtures.
     • Electrical: They test outlets, switches, and the electrical panel for safety and functionality.
     • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): They inspect the heating and cooling systems.
     • Appliances: They test the operation of included appliances.
5. Attic and Basement/Crawlspace Inspection:
   • These areas are assessed for insulation, ventilation, structural integrity, and signs of water damage or pests.
6. Roof Inspection:
   • The inspector checks for signs of damage, missing shingles, or areas that might need repair.
7. Foundation Inspection:
   • The foundation is examined for cracks, settlement issues, or signs of water damage.
8. Plumbing and Fixtures:
   • They check for leaks, water pressure, drainage, and functionality of fixtures.
9. Electrical Systems:
   • They assess the condition of the electrical panel, wiring, outlets, and switches.
10. Appliances:
    • They test the functionality of included appliances like the stove, dishwasher, and other built-ins.
11. Safety and Code Compliance:
    • The inspector looks for any potential safety hazards or violations of building codes.
12. Documentation and Reporting:
    • The inspector takes notes, measurements, and sometimes photographs to document their findings.
    • They compile a detailed report, often with photos, outlining their observations and any issues they’ve identified.
13. Discussion with the Buyer:
    • After the inspection, the inspector usually discusses their findings with the buyer. They might explain any major concerns and answer questions.
14. Addressing Concerns:
    • If significant issues are found, the buyer can discuss potential repairs, concessions, or further negotiations with the seller.

Remember, a home inspection is not a pass/fail evaluation. It’s designed to provide the buyer with a comprehensive understanding of the property’s condition, allowing them to make an informed decision about moving forward with the purchase.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to any of our agents here at Rainbow Row Real Estate.

Jared