Home Inspection Checklist

WHY DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.
Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.
If you are already a home owner, a home inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, its age, and possible additional services, such as septic, well, or radon testing. It is a good idea to check local prices on your own.
However, do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including his experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS

WHAT MUST NEVER BE OVERLOOKED BY A HOME INSPECTOR!

Before Inspection

Choose A Home Inspection Company with Top Credentials. You have a goal, you want to be well informed, and you want to make a wise investment. Choose a home inspection company that understands your needs and will work with you to help you meet your goals. Choose an A-Pro ISHI Certified Inspector.


Be Sure To Obtain a Written Home Inspection Report

Be sure that your home inspection report will be a detailed written report, not a hand written checklist that is given to you at the conclusion of the home inspection. A checklist may be void of details and may not provide all of the information advice you need.

Don't Be Confused By Home Inspector "Certifications"

Don't be confused by home inspector "certifications" offered by, or sold by trade societies or companies, or obtained via home inspection home study courses, certifications are available to anybody, a high school diploma is not a requirement and certifications can be readily purchased. Choose an ISHI Certified member that follows strict Operating Principle’s and Inspector Standards.

During Inspection

Be Sure To Attend the Home Inspection

Be sure to attend the home inspection; the inspection should take about two hours. One picture is worth a thousand words, and there’s a unique opportunity to learn about the home and its systems.

Be Sure That the Home Inspector is well equipped

The home inspector should be fully equipped with necessary tools including electrical testers, a fuel gas and carbon monoxide detector, moisture meter, ladder, inspection mirror, flashlight, level, and other home inspection tools.

Be Sure to Follow the Home Inspector and Ask Questions

No questions are foolish, learn as much as you can from the home inspector during the home inspection.

Be Sure That All of the Following Points Are Fully Covered

Location, Location, Location, you’ve heard that often enough when looking for a home. Once you find your home, there’s nothing more important than Foundation, Foundation, Foundation, you need to know that the home you are purchasing is Level (that's an important reason for retaining the services of a home inspection company an ISHI Certified PhI Member).

The physical, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems should be thoroughly inspected and evaluated. The home inspector should look for aluminum electrical distribution wires, electrical systems that are not adequate for modern usage, lead and galvanized steel water supply pipes, aged and inefficient heating and air-conditioning systems, etc.

The home inspector should be able to include an inspection for wood destroying insects that will be accepted by your mortgage lender. Please let the inspector know up front so that he can bring along a qualified specialist.

If the home has a well and/or septic system, these systems should also be able to be evaluated. Please let the inspector know up front so that he can bring along a qualified specialist.

The home inspector should look for materials that may be asbestos containing materials.

Be Sure To Consider Optional Tests

Where applicable, testing underground storage tanks, testing paint for lead, testing drinking water for lead, testing well supplied drinking water for bacteria, testing for radon gas in air, testing for urea formaldehyde foam insulation, etc. Please let the inspector know up front so that he can bring along a qualified specialist.

Be Sure To Obtain A Full Verbal Report From The Home Inspector At The Time Of The Home Inspection

The home inspection report should be available the next working day after the home inspection but a full verbal report should be obtained at the conclusion of the home inspection.

After the Inspection
You Should Know

You should know the condition of the home you are purchasing, including all positive and negative aspects.

You should know what repairs are need, as well as the urgency of the needed repairs, and the magnitude of the repair costs.

You should know a proper course of corrective repairs and whether alternatives are available.

You should know if there are any safety issues that need attention.

You Should Expect

You should expect an easy to understand detailed written home inspection report.

You should expect the home inspector to provide the answers to any questions you may have regarding the report.

You should expect the home inspector's door to be open for answers to future questions.

You Should Not Expect

You should not expect the home inspector to offer to repair, for a fee, any uncovered defects (that would be a conflict of interest and may erode confidence you may have in the home inspector's findings).