What is Inspected During a Home Inspection?

Ever wonder what is inspected during a home inspection? A home inspection is an information service and the information you receive should provide peace of mind by offering a technical review of the home.

A home inspection can help you gain a better understanding of the home, but it is not magic. It is a snapshot of the condition of the home on the day of the inspection. The review should include a visual inspection of the following major systems and components: roof, structure & foundation, exterior finishes, windows & doors, lot grading, interior finishes, plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, fireplaces & chimneys, attic and attic insulation and basement dampness.

The inspection is intended to focus on the “big picture” and address those items that could affect your buying decision. Therefore, a professional home inspector will not be looking at cosmetic items such as scratches to the cupboards, nail pops in drywall, torn wall paper etc.

A standard home inspection usually does not include appliances or low voltage systems like telephone wiring, television cable, alarm systems etc. It will not address environmental concerns such as, but not limited to, air and/or water quality asbestos, radon gas, molds, toxins, carcinogens etc.

A home inspection is visual in nature, non-destructive and non-invasive. The inspector is a guest in the home and needs to respect the seller’s property. The inspector will not move furniture, lift carpets, cut holes in walls, shovel snow, or dismantle equipment. The inspection is not technically exhaustive and all encompassing due to the various limitations of a visual inspection. For this reason it is important to hire an experienced inspector with excellent communication skills and a strong technical background.