The premier source for home inspector 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.
Home inspection plays a very important role in the real estate process. When people buy or sell a home, they rely on a home inspector to provide an accurate and reliable inspection of a property. A home inspector tells them about the condition of the home and helps them avoid buying a house that needs major repairs. It is the perfect way to get an in-depth and impartial opinion of their next home… before they buy it.
The main purpose of the home inspector is to provide an objective viewpoint on the condition of a specific home at the time of inspection. The inspector does not evaluate the cost or value of the property, but provides a close examination of the following:
- Structural Components: Foundations, floors and walls.
- Exterior Components: Siding paint, windows, decks, garage doors, etc.
- Roofing: Coverings, flashings, chimneys, etc.
- Plumbing: Piping, fixtures, faucets, water heating and fuel storage systems, etc.
- Electrical: Wiring, main service panels, conductors, switches, receptacles, etc.
- Heating: Equipment, safety controls, distribution systems, chimneys, etc.
- Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps: Cooling and air-handling equipment, controls and ducting, etc.
- Interior: Partitions, ceilings, floors, railings, doors and windows, etc.
- Insulation and Ventilation: Attics, walls, floors, foundations, kitchen and bathrooms, etc.
A home inspector will additionally perform the following services (sometimes for an extra fee): mold sampling, radon testing, asbestos evaluation, pests/wood destroying organisms, carbon monoxide testing, lead testing, and more.
There are three steps involved with each inspection. First, the house inspector will evaluate the physical condition of a property, including the structure, construction and mechanical systems. Second, he or she will identify the items that should be repaired or replaced. Third, he or she will estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning), equipment, structure, and finishes.)
Although home inspections are primarily visual, an inspector may use a tape measure, survey instruments, metering devices, and other equipment, such as concrete strength measurer, to aid in his or her inspection. The house inspector will keep a log of their work, take photographs, and file a formal report. The inspection usually takes two or three hours (depending on the age and size of the home).
To become a home inspector , individuals need to enroll in an accredited home inspection school. This will provide them with comprehensive and hands-on training in all aspects of a home inspection career. It will teach them exactly what to look for during an inspection, and provide them with the skills to perform a quality service. They will also know how to prepare an informative and accurate home inspection report.
Home inspection is an essential part of real estate - without it, people wouldn't know the condition of a house before they purchased it. Most people don't have the ability or know-how to inspect all aspects of a property themselves - they need knowledge of plumbing, electrical and ventilation and much more. A trained home inspector can easily step into this role and provide an accurate reporting of the condition of a home and protect the interests of the home buyer.
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