The typical home inspection will take about 2 hours!

It is advisable that you, the home buyer attend the home inspection.

Even though you will be given a comprehensive written report. It may be necessary to see many of the items to get a better understanding when you read your report.   

You are encouraged to ask questions. Be sure to bring pen and paper.

The home inspection it self is designed to assist you in assessing the overall condition of the property you are preparing to purchase.

Exterior

Upon approach of any home or building you should be use the opportunity to view the overall structural condition.     

a)      Walls-should be looking at the walls for straight lines (signs of bowing could be an indication of structural problem)

1.      Brick walls –should look for cracks in the bricks and mortar (hairline                                                                                                                                                                     cracks are common)

2.      Siding- should looking to verify that all siding is secured to the building

b)      Steps- the steps should be level and each step should have even step height

c)      Porch & Deck- the surface should be level

           1.   Concrete surfaces should be intact, not crumbling

           2.   Wood surfaces should be free from decay

3.      Safety rails should be installed

d)      Windows- windows insulated, free from loose paint

e)      Doors- look for obvious gap around the door and the door frame

f)        Grading- the highest point of the dirt around the foundation wall should be the wall and slope away from the home

g)      Vegetation- are there large trees very close to the house (the roots could damage the foundation wall)

Roof

Where feasible, the home inspector will physically walk on the roof to get a close look at the roof surface, any flashing ,chimney , skylights and antennae.

a)      Shingles- shingles should be flat

b)      All structural lines should be straight

c)       Does all roof top structures appear to be secured.

d)      Is there proper ventilation

      Interior

The interior inspection should start at the front door and include all living spaces, also the basement and attic where accessible. This will include checking the proper operation of all doors, windows and the condition of all interior surfaces such as the walls, floors ceiling and interior staircases. Any deficiencies will be noted and the inspector should try to determine the most effective corrective action.

       The deficiencies in the attic and basement could include any thing from signs of wood destroying insects to evidence of water intrusion.

   Utilities

The home inspection should include testing of all of the utilities.

a)      Electrical- a reasonable # of electrical outlets should be tested for the                                                                                                                                                                              proper voltage and the correct wire connections, it should be identified whether there are fuses or circuit breakers and the buyer should be shown where the main panel is located.

b)      Plumbing- the inspection should reveal the type of pipes and condition of the plumbing through out the house and sewage side should be checked and thorough as possible.

c)      Furnace and A/C- the furnace and A/C should be physically checked for any obvious defects and the systems should be operated if possible.  

Appliance

               All appliances should be operated. With the permission of the seller.

Conclusion

At the conclusion of the inspection the buyer should have a better understanding of the home they are purchasing. This is also the time to discuss with the inspector any question that may still linger in there mind concerning any thing that may have been discuss in the course of the home inspection.