What Really Matters In A Home Inspection

Buying a home?

The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind but, depending on the findings, it may have the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information over a short period of time.  Your inspection will entail a written report, including checklists and photos, and what the inspector tells you during the inspection. All of this combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself can make the experience overwhelming. What should you do?

Relax.

Home inspectors are professionals, and if yours is a member of InterNACHI, then you can trust that he is among the most highly trained in the industry. Most of your inspection will be related to maintenance recommendations and minor imperfections. These are good to know about.

However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:

1. major defects, such as a structural failure;
2. conditions that can lead to major defects, such as a roof leak;
3. issues that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home if not rectified immediately; and
4. safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electrical panel.

Anything in these categories should be addressed as soon as possible. Often, a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).

Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. It’s important to realize that a seller is under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in your inspection report. No house is perfect. Keep things in perspective.

And remember that homeownership is both a joyful experience and an important responsibility, so be sure to call on your InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector® to help you devise an annual maintenance plan that will keep your family safe and your home in top condition for years to come.

What Is A Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property (as delineated below), performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector.  The scope of work may be modified by the Client and Inspector prior to the inspection process.

1. The home inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions.
   
   
2. The home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.

What Is a Material Defect?

A material defect is a specific issue with a system or component of a residential property that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people.  The fact that a system or component is near, at, or beyond the end of its normal, useful life is not, in itself, a material defect.

What Should Be Included In A Home Inspection Report?

A home inspection report shall identify, in written format, defects within specific systems and components defined by these Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector.  Inspection reports may include additional comments and recommendations.

Limitations:

1. An inspection is not technically exhaustive.
2. An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects. 
3. An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns, or what could be deemed matters of taste, cosmetic defects, etc. 
4. An inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any use. 
5. An inspection does not determine the market value of the property or its marketability.
6. An inspection does not determine the insurability of the property. 
7. An inspection does not determine the advisability or inadvisability of the purchase of the inspected property. 
8. An inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or any components or systems therein. 
9. An inspection does not include items not permanently installed. 
10. This Standards of Practice applies to properties with four or fewer residential units and their attached garages and carports.