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Generally, a whole house inspection
is intended to disclose any major defect that might materially
affect the property, not minor routine maintenance and
repair items. The inspection is in no way a guarantee
or warranty and does not replace homeowners’ warranty
insurance.
The following items are areas that the inspector routinely
examines:
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Appearance of home from
outside: Sidewalk, driveway, brick, wood siding,
chimney, foundation, grading around the home, roof,
down spouts and gutters, windows and trim |
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Entire house: Random electrical outlets,
doors, random windows, walls, floors, ceilings,
heat vents, fireplaces |
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Basement: Floor, foundation walls,
electrical panel box, subflooring, support beams
and support joists, plumbing, heating, water heater,
air-conditioning (except in winter months) |
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Kitchen and bathrooms: Kitchen appliances
such as range, refrigerator, dishwasher, disposal,
water pressure, drain pipes, toilets, sinks, cabinets,
fans, shower, bath tub |
|
Attic: Insulation, roof supports,
vents |
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Garage: Walls, floors, garage door,
automatic garage door opener, fire safety |
Items generally not inspected:
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Security systems, pools,
pool equipment, hot tub, radon, asbestos, lead,
indications of wood destroying insects |
The inspector will ask the person paying for the inspection
to sign an agreement before proceeding. Payment for the
inspection is usually due at the time of inspection.
Most inspectors will prefer that the buyer (if they are
paying for the inspection) be present. It is not necessary
for the sellers to accompany the inspector throughout
the house; however, they may if they so choose. The real
estate agent may be present. Some inspectors may inspect
items not included in this guide. A written report will
be provided to the person paying for the inspection. You
may wish to have additional items inspected that are not
included in the whole house inspection.
Recommendations from people who have had satisfactory
experiences with inspectors in the past is one method
of selecting a firm. If you must select at random, check
the Yellow Pages under Building Inspection Services. Further,
check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if
any complaints have been filed against any company that
your are considering.
These suggestions are for informational purposes only
and are not intended to be a prerequisite to the inspection.
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