If you are planning to buy a house, one of the things you want to do is have a home inspection done. But before the inspection’s done, it’s good to know what the inspection covers and what isn’t covered. Below we’ll explain what is and what isn’t usually covered.
What Home Inspectors Inspect
The requirements for a home inspection will greatly vary between states. But there are uniform and minimum standards set by the ASHI that all inspectors do. Below are the things that are inspected in a home inspection.
- Appliances – They will ensure that your dishwasher, microwave, stove, dryer, washer, and other appliances are working properly.
- Attic – The inspector will make sure there’s enough insulation, that it’s properly insulated, and see if there are any leaks or signs of water damage.
- Basement – They’ll check the walls, floors, and that it has a solid foundation. They’ll also check for water intrusion or damage.
- Electrical system – They’ll make sure the wiring is to code and that your circuit breakers, light fixtures, fans and outlets are working properly.
- Exterior surfaces – They will ensure that there is the proper clearance between your siding material and the ground, they’ll check your exterior siding or paint’s condition, and that your outdoor electrical outlets and lights work properly.
- Garage – They’ll check the windows, framing, ceiling, roof, and that it has a solid foundation. They’ll also check to make sure the opener works, that the electrical system is to code, and that the outlets function properly.
- Structural elements – Construction of visible foundation, evidence of sagging or bowing of the structure, and window alignment
- Grounds – They will look to see if your septic tank leaks and whether you have proper drainage. They also will examine your driveways, sidewalks, and fences.
- Heating & cooling system – They’ll check the condition of your air conditioning, furnace, chimney, fireplace, water heater, and furnace.
- Interior plumbing – They’ll check for leaking or damaged pipes, the right temperature for hot water, and make sure that your sinks, showers, bathtubs, and toilets all work.
- Roof – They’ll look at the condition of your shingles, any patches or repairs on a flat roof, chimney damage, clear vents, and that your gutters work properly.
- Safety – They’ll make sure that your carbon monoxide and fire alarms as well as fire sprinklers are working. They’ll also look at the condition of guard and hand rails, openers for garage doors and stairs.
What an Inspector Doesn’t Inspect
Even though there’s a variation on what a home inspector will look for, there’s a few areas that generally won’t be covered with home inspections. If you’re suspecting any concerns or problems in these areas below, it’s a good idea to have a specialist evaluate it.
- Asbestos
- Lead paint
- Pest control
- Radon gas
- Swimming pools
- Toxic mold
When you are buying a house, you want to know everything you can about what you are getting into. So having a home inspection done is the best possible way to do that.
About Crown Inspection
Our mission at Crown Home Inspection is to provide our clients with confidence and the knowledge knowing they are making a solid investment. We will provide excellent, quick, and competitively priced service while keeping the highest levels of professionalism and customer courtesy. Crown Home Inspection, will allow inspections to be scheduled at a time that is convenient for our customers, and ensure 24 Hr delivery of our inspection reports.
