What to Expect from Your Home Inspection
What are home inspectors looking for?
Well, the short answer is: Any damage whatsoever, if the eyes can see it then it should be noted and reported on. Now the long answer is a bit different. As a home inspector the majority of our time go towards the seven “big ticket” items or the items that can cost you the most money if needed to be fixed or replaced. Which are the: Roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC system(s), water heater(s), and appliances. Everything else is more or less cosmetic. Also it is important to note that a home inspection is a purely visual inspection. So, it is recommended that house be vacant for the most accurate results. Otherwise it is easy for things to go unreported as personal property can greatly limit the view and surface area of the home inspection.
How long does it take?
A home inspection can take anywhere from one hour to several hours depending on the size and condition of the home. For homes with larger square footage it will likely take longer to complete the inspection. Another varying factor depends on how many home inspectors are at the site. It’s most commonly completed by one or two inspectors per inspection. On average it is safe to assume your home inspection will be two hours long for an average three bedroom 2,000 square foot home. Factors such as detached guest houses and a pool or spa would likely add time to the home inspection. Another thing that you need to account for is the condition of the home as the more there is wrong/ notable the longer the inspection will take since a home inspector needs to notate all damage and or deficiencies.
What are some common defects?
The condition of every home is different so there is no one size fits all answer to this question. However there are a list of a few of the more common issues home inspectors in CA can come across; roof damage, fire damage, water damage, exterior problems, and faulty wiring. These are all issues that home inspectors are trained and qualified to detect and report for their customers.
Why is a home inspection important for a buyer?
A home is one of the most expensive and valuable assets a person will buy in their lifetime. To ensure your investment is quality, hiring a home inspector is a critical aspect. This allows buyers to have a professional tell them about the interior and exterior problems of the home before purchasing. It also gives the buyers information on potentially life threatening issues with the home, and maintenance of the home. This can also be used as a contingency/ negotiation in your contract with the seller. Included in your contingency can be the option to back out of your contract if the home provides significant defects, free of penalty.
