A Home Inspection is an evaluation of the various systems of the home in an effort to identify any areas of concern regarding the structure or its various components. The inspection is VISUAL and limited to the READILY ACCESSIBLE areas of the house.
Components of an inspection include: -Structure (foundation and framing) -Roof (covering, penetrations, fascia/soffit) -Exterior (siding, windows, doors) -Electrical (entrance cable, main/sub panels, outlets) -Plumbing (water source, distribution, drain/waste/vent, toilets, sinks, kitchen) -Heating (furnace, ducts, chimney) -Air conditioning (central and through wall) -Interior (floors, walls, ceilings, doors, stairs, kitchen, bathrooms) -Insulation and ventilation (attic and crawl spaces, walls where possible) -Fireplaces/solid fuel burning devices (clearances, chimney)
This is not a "code inspection." No house "passes" or "fails." All homes have areas of wear and tear and it is the job of the inspector to identify those which need attention now or which will need attention in the future. The inspector will point out areas that need periodic maintenance and some that may need to be changed.
It is important that the prospective buyer attend the inspection, as a great deal of information can be gained that may not be conveyed by a written report. Don't worry. You won't be asked to crawl inder the house or climb into the attic! Attending the inspection will allow you to ask questions that might not occur to you when reading the report. Plan on spending several hours at the inspection.
