What does a Professional Home Inspection Include?

Many times when an individual buys a home, he or she will order a professional home inspection. This is done to determine the condition of the property being purchased. While what is included in a professional home inspection varies from locality to locality and from inspector to inspector, there are a few items that usually appear on the inspection report. These items might include the conditions of the roof, electrical systems, air conditioner, heat pump, plumbing, foundation, attic and interior and exterior features of the home.

A professional home inspection of the roof, the foundation and the exterior and interior features of the home will check for many things. The inspector will make sure that the roof does not leak, check the wear on the roof and determine its approximate age. Any problems with the foundation will be noted during a professional home inspection, as will any faulty wiring, any other electrical problems and any plumbing problems. Many other items also will be tested and used throughout the process in order to make sure that everything is in good working order. If anything is not in good condition, this fact will be recorded on the inspection report for the prospective buyer.

Obtaining a professional home inspection might be an important step to consider in the home buying process, even if the home that is being purchased is new. Many times, a buyer might not be able to see hidden problems that could cost quite a bit of money in the future. Having a professional home inspection done will allow him or her to make an educated decision on whether the house is the right one to buy. It also might leverage some bargaining power over the price of the house based on the conditions outlined in the inspection report.

Although a professional home inspection checks many things throughout a house, it is important to note that in many areas, several items typically are not checked during the inspection. Many times, a special license is needed to check for asbestos, mold, mildew or lead. Also, a home inspection is not an appraisal of a property or an assurance that things will not go wrong in the future.

It is possible for an individual to attend the home inspection. This is a great way to get any questions answered or to obtain a detailed explanation of an issue and how it might affect the house in the future. Doing so might also give someone the opportunity to determine whether something that is listed on the professional home inspection is an item of immediate concern or one that can wait.