What is the Best Home Inspection?

The best home inspections are determined by looking at more than just the report from the inspector. Home inspectors are trained professionals that are concerned about both safety and quality of construction, but a thorough inspection can mean the difference between a home that works well and a home that will not. So how does a home inspection differ from a walk-through?

A home inspection is conducted after the home has been vacant for a period of time, usually a few months, to determine if there are any areas that may need to be repaired or redone. A thorough home inspection also takes note of how well the house is insulated, ventilated, heated, cooled, and installed. This is not the same as a superficial visual inspection. In the case of a home inspection, the inspector is looking for signs of damage or malfunction that may need repair and immediate attention because such problems may cost the homeowner money in the long run.

So what should you look for in a home inspection? First, the inspector should conduct a complete visual inspection, looking for cracks, leaks, broken shingles, missing roof shingles, broken doors, missing windows, loose siding, and other visible defects on the inside and out. He should also inspect the outside of the house for weathering and rusting. For the exterior, the inspector typically uses a camera to take a close look at the house, looking for all possible signs of damage. The inside of the house should be similarly inspected, looking for plumbing, structural integrity, and condition of the furnace and electrical system.