Home Inspection

A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares and delivers to the client a written report of findings. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase. The home inspector describes the condition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency, or life expectancy of systems or components.

An inspector will check the roof, basement, heating system, water heater, air-conditioning system, structure, plumbing, electrical, and many other aspects of buildings looking for improper building practices, those items that require extensive repairs, items that are general maintenance issues, as well as some fire and safety issues. However, it should also be noted that a home inspection is not technically exhaustive and does not imply that every defect will be discovered. Some inspection companies offer 90-day limited warranties to protect clients from unexpected mechanical and structural failures- otherwise inspectors are not responsible for future failures. A general list of exclusions include but are not limited to: code or zoning violations, permit research, property measurements or surveys, boundaries, easements or right of way, conditions of title, proximity to environmental hazards, noise interference, soil or geological conditions, well water systems or water quality, underground sewer lines and/or waste disposal systems, buried piping, cisterns, underground water tanks and sprinkler systems to name a few. A complete list of standards and procedures for home inspections can be found at NAHI, ASHI or InterNACHI or IHINA websites. A general inspection standard for all types of buildings can be found at the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE). These standards serve as a minimum level of care required by the various associations mentioned, it should be noted that many inspectors exceed these standards within their basic inspection or offer additional services such as inspecting pools, sprinkler systems, checking radon levels, and inspecting for wood destroying organisms. Another aspect of home inspections which is often over looked is foreclosure inspections; these inspections are often referred to as REO (Real Estate Owned) inspections. Professional home inspectors prefer to leave these inspections to the professional Certified Field Inspectors and the Certified Property Preservation Specialist. CFI and CPPS are typical certified through organization such as NAARPI or the North American Association of Real Property Inspectors.

A home inspector is sometimes confused with a real estate appraiser. A home inspector determines the condition of a structure, whereas an appraiser determines the value of a property. Although not all states or municipalities in the U.S. regulate home inspectors, there are some professional associations for home inspectors that provide education, training, and networking opportunities. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an inspection to verify compliance with appropriate codes.