Home Inspections
Why should I get a home inspection?
Before purchasing a house, selling a house or beginning a maintenance program on an existing home, many people contract with a home inspector to objectively evaluate important aspects of the home's condition. A professional home inspector may spot existing defects and conditions that the owner may be unaware of.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a general, visual examination of the current condition of the house. An inspection report should cover the mechanical systems of the house: interior plumbing, electric, heating and cooling, general interior, attic and visible insulation, ventilation, siding, windows, doors, roofs, attached garages, foundation, and visible structure. Features that are not part of the main structure such as septic systems, wells, underground piping, and swimming pools are usually not included. A Wood Destroying Organism Report (WDO), sometimes called “pest and dry rot", may also be included. Home inspectors will not move furniture, rugs, or other obstacles, nor will they inspect areas which are inaccessible such as wall interiors, wet crawlspaces, and steep or wet roofs.
Keep in mind that a home inspection is an educated opinion, not a warranty or guarantee that the house is sound or that there will never be any problems.