What to Expect

Depending on the size and condition of the home, a thorough home inspection will take from two to three hours. Ideally, you will accompany your inspector during the consultation.

Your professional home inspector should provide you with both a verbal report as part of a whole house walk-through, and a written report after the inspection is completed. Many home inspectors also provide free telephone consultations for as long as you own your home.

A thorough home inspection will include the following:

Systems

• Heating system, operation and condition
• Central air conditioning system, operation and condition, weather permitting.
• Interior plumbing, inspecting for visible corrision, leaks and pressure.
• Electrical systems, inspecting for unsafe conditions and improper wiring.

Exterior Structures

• Foundation, checking for cracks that could make the foundation significantly deficient. Roof, walking the roof when possible inspecting for condition and improper installation.
• Porches, inspecting for stability and condition.
• Decks and patios, inspecting for stability, condition and cracking of the patio.
• Surface water control, inspecting for proper drainage away from the structure.
• And all the visible exterior structures of the home

Interior Structures

• Attic, inspecting the insulation, ventilation and framing
• Visible insulation for proper installation.
• Walls for bowing and damage.
• Ceilings for sagging and damage.
• Floors for uneveness and damage.
• Windows and doors for operation and damage.
• Foundation for significant cracks and water seepage.
• Basement for evidence of past moisture
• Accessible crawl space areas for cracks and evidence of past moisture
• Fireplaces and chimneys for proper maintenance and visible significant problems.
• And all the visible interior structures of the home