What is a Home Inspection?

You’ve put in an offer, now what? As a professional that wants to protect their clients, I recommend a home inspection for every purchase, even on a newly constructed home. As the new homeowner, it is important to know everything you can about the structure you are purchasing.

■ Be sure to talk to your Realtor®. They may be able to recommend a home inspector that they have worked with in the past and trust their judgment. Also, ensure your Realtor® allows for enough time to schedule and complete the home inspection when writing the offer.

■ Look for accredited affiliations. Did you know that you could have anyone inspect the property? It is recommended, however, to choose an inspector who has an affiliation with groups such as National Association of Home Inspectors, the National Institute of Building Inspectors, the American Society of Home Inspectors, and the International Society of Certified Home Inspectors.

■ Know what they inspect. Home inspection requirements vary greatly from state to state, but the American Society of Home Inspectors has standards of practice that outline minimum and uniform standards that you should expect from an inspection. They include the following:

Structural elements. Construction of visible foundation; evidence of sagging or bowing of the structure; and window alignment.

Grounds. Leaks from septic tank; proper drainage; and condition of driveways, fences, and sidewalks.

Roof. Condition of shingles; any repairs/patches to flat roofs; clear vents; damage to chimneys; and properly working gutters.

Exterior surfaces. Correct clearance between ground and siding material; condition of exterior paint or siding; and properly working lights and electrical outlets.

Attic. Sufficient insulation; proper ventilation; and any sign of leaking or water damage.

Interior plumbing. No damaged or leaking pipes; proper hot water temperature; and functioning toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers.

Electrical system. Up-to-code condition and type of visible wiring, and proper function of circuit breakers, outlets, light fixtures, and fans.

Appliances. Proper function of stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, washer and dryer, and all other appliances.

Heating and cooling systems. Condition of furnace, air conditioning (temperature permitting), water heater, chimney, and fireplace.

Basement. Solid foundation, walls, and floors, with no signs of water intrusion or damage.

Garage. Solid foundation, windows, ceiling, framing, and roof; working garage door opener; up-to-code electrical system; and proper function of outlets.

■ Know what they don’t inspect. Again, while there is variation of what home inspectors look for, there are areas that are generally not covered by a home inspection. If you suspect any problems or concerns in the following areas, you may want to schedule an evaluation by a certified specialist:

Pest control

Swimming pools

Asbestos

Radon gas

Lead paint

Toxic mold

■ Take the home inspection process seriously. This is not the time to ask everyone you know to come check out your “new home.” Your appointment with the home inspector should have as few distractions as possible. If you have children, find a babysitter while you are at the appointment. This allows you to be focused on what the home inspector has to say. A written home inspection report can be confusing to read once you are home because of the technical lingo used. Speaking face-to-face with an inspector is always the best practice. After all, this is going to be your new home to live in and you want to understand as much as possible.

■ After the home inspection. Take the information home, review the issues found and make a list of items you would like to ask the seller to fix. Speak to your Realtor® about your concerns. They can offer a lot of helpful advice from their extensive knowledge of previous home inspections. If there are minor issues you aren’t worried about such as a missing GFI outlet, you can choose to make the repair when you move in. Once you have a final list of requirements, your agent will present a written inspection addendum to the seller and they can decide what they are willing to fix.

Buying a home is a hugely personal decision and large investment. Rely on professionals to assure the future purchase is right and simple for you and your family and always work with a Realtor®.