The premier source for home inspection news and information. Whether you're a homebuyer or a licensed home inspector, you'll find valuable insight on the world of home inspection training and competency on this blog.
It's set. It's on the customer's calendar. At 4pm or 5pm or 6pm, that's when you, the Home Inspector, arrive to start the home inspection. But do your customers know that home inspections really begin before you even arrive on the property?
Part of every home inspection is in the preparation; it's what the homeowner does to see to it that the inspection results will be as positive as possible. A little preparation on the part of the homeowner can make the house look better, allow the inspection to proceed more smoothly, and prevent any unnecessary dings against the house.
First, make sure the homeowner verifies that electricity is working throughout the home and that all circuits are working.
Have the homeowner double check the pilot lights on all of their gas appliances and have them fixed if they're not working. Any appliance that is a part of the home should be serviced and in good working order.
Make them aware you'll be inspecting any attic or basement and that they'll need to be cleaned to provide access for your inspection.
They will also want to check all door and window hardware to verify proper function and tighten anything that's loose.
Let them know to check their faucets and the plumbing for leaks and functionality. This would be a good time to have any problems repaired. Have them make sure that you will be able to access any plumbing under sinks for inspection.
They should also replace any burned out light bulbs, clean out rain gutters, and generally make sure everything is in good working order.
This kind of pre-inspection will not only make your job easier, it will also help guaranty a favorable inspection for the seller and confidence for future buyers.
Whenever a home inspection is performed, even the most experienced inspector can forget something. That's why you have a checklist, to remember things like plumbing, air, water heater, windows, etc.
But even the most obvious things can be easy to overlook, especially when they are hiding away. Let's take light, for instance. Lighting is an incredibly important part of any house but a lot of it is easy to overlook. Remember that your inspection will probably be performed during the daytime so some lights won't be on. In addition, some lights can be hidden away so you won't know they're there. Always remember to ask the owner about any out-of-the-way lighting and keeps your eyes out for some of these:
Exterior Lighting
As you walk up to the house, you may notice lights along the walkway. They may not be on because of the hour, but that makes it especially important to remember to check them. Some homes may have installed exterior flood lights; low voltage lights create beautiful effects in gardens or on architectural details of the home. Be sure to check these. Some home owners have even been known to run lights into trees or on the roof, to light the areas below. Small lights on pilasters, highlighting small details, should also be remembered.
Other exterior lighting can include pool lighting or lighting for other areas of recreation.
Hidden Lighting
Lights are often hidden away to provide safety and/or access. The obvious ones might be lights in a walk-in closet or pantry, or the light over a stove. Keep in mind also, that there may be lights installed inside regular closets, in shower enclosures, and within built-in appliances. Finally, some homes may include installed night-lights.
Always ask if there are additional lights you may be forgetting.
Settings for Lighting
Lights aren't strictly an on/off feature. There may be some settings to keep in mind. With exterior lights especially, the lights may be set for a certain time. Be sure to check these timers. They may also be set on a motion sensor. This is also important to check. Inside, where a dimmer switch is used, make sure the light dims appropriately.
The more thorough your inspection is, the happier your client will be and that will mean more business for you in the long run.
Home Inspection. It's about plumbing and wiring and foundations and walls, right? Or is it?
Actually, home inspection is really about people. People buying their home or selling their home want to know that their home is in good shape and, when it's not, they want to know why and what they can do about it. What better way to help your client, and help your business than to take them along on the home inspection you're performing?
Remember, business is all about networking and developing good word of mouth. Taking your client on the inspection shows you're interested in them, as well as their home. Also, informing them of what you see will help make the inspection report that much more comprehensible.
Arrange your inspection when the client can be there, be it in the morning or afternoon. Work with them to show them you care.
Suggest they invite some friends over, especially if they are buying a new home. New homeowners love to show off their new property and get other opinions and this is also a good time for you to show others what a thorough job you do and expand your base.
Clients should be encouraged to wear some work clothes they don't mind getting dirty in to the inspection. Be sure to show them everything and allow them to use all of their senses. Show them under the countertops. Take them into the crawl space, if there is one. Make them a part of the inspection by making them familiar with all the important parts of their home.
Anything written down should be noted, even things that you might not write down should be relayed. For instance, homes constructed prior to 1976 might have lead-based paint, which would be important to replace. Even if the paint is in good shape, it's important that the new owner has this information.
Be sure to provide a legible copy of the report and go over every detail, especially high ticket items. Your client will know you're taking care of more than just the house; you're taking care of them.
One of the best features of any new home, with summer approaching, is a beautiful front porch. Who doesn't like to sit out under the shade on a warm day with a cool drink and enjoy the view from their front porch? But with exposure to the elements and constant use, front porches can take a harder beating than many other parts of the house and should be included in every home inspection.
Here are some things to look for when inspecting a front porch:
SIDING -- For siding to provide full protection, it shouldn't be warped or aged if it's real wood. If it's made out of an imitation wood, then it should still look like wood.
TRIM -- Trim frames the porch like a piece of art and should be maintained to keep up the appearance of the porch. Corner boards of siding, the facia, soffits and ceilings shouldn't be worked or distressed.
WIRING -- Cracked, exterior wiring and rusted fixtures should be noted on inspections along with exposed wiring. These should also be checked for functionality.
LIGHTS -- All exterior lights should be inspected. These can take a beating from the elements and wear much faster than interior fixtures.
FRAMING -- A porch's frame is always at risk for attacks by age, moisture, and insects. Beams could rot where they rest on brick piers. When possible, check the underside of the porch for rot or insect damage. Be mindful of any cracks you see above or below.
FLOORING -- The floor takes all the beating and the weight. In the winter, it can be damp for long periods of time. In the summer, ultra-violet rays can cause it to crack. Pay attention to loose boards, spongy support, and outright broken flooring.
COLUMNS and RAILS -- Wooden columns and railing provide not only ornamentation but also support and can grow loose, creating a hazard. Check for loose rails or unsafe posts and columns.
DOORS -- Just like interior doors, it's easy for exterior doors to fall into disuse. In addition, though, a porch door can face rust, warping, swelling, and splintering. Also, keep an eye out for broken screens or glass.
ROOFS -- Since porch roofs can often wear out much faster than a home's roof, it's important to pay attention to its condition. Missing tiles or other damage should be noted.
While problems with a porch might go unnoticed by an untrained buyer, these observations could be crucial to any homebuyer's decision and the sign of a quality home inspection.
