What is a home inspection?   top
The purpose of a home inspection is to reveal the pluses, minuses and maintenance issues in a house. There is no such thing as a perfect house, but a home inspection gives buyers a good idea of issues and expenses they'll be facing. A home inspection is an objective visual analysis of a home's structure and systems. An inspection will determine the areas of a home that are not performing properly, as well as items that are beyond their useful life or are unsafe. Inspections include areas of the home's interior and exterior, from the roof to the foundation and the exterior drainage and retaining walls. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation. A home inspection is a visual inspection to determine problems or conditions that exist at the time of the inspection. A home inspection is not a warranty.

What does a home inspection include?   top
A standard home inspection summarizes findings from a visual inspection of the condition of the subject homes heating system, central air conditioning system, interior plumbing and electrical systems; roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; foundation, basement, and the visible structures of the home.

Common Problems Found in Home Inspections  top
Structure	- Differential settlement -- movement under the foundation - Rotten rim joist (the wood that wraps around the perimeter of the floor framing) - Damaged floor joist
Exteriors	- Damaged siding - Unsafe railings - Damaged windows or rotting window frames
Roofing	- Worn out shingles - Missing shingles - Rusting gutters
Plumbing	- Leaking faucets and showers - Unsafe temperature pressure relief valve - Deteriorating pipes
Electrical	- Overheated wires - Spliced wires without a junction box - Undersized electrical service
Heating	- Leaking boiler - Disconnected furnace flue - Safety
A/C	- Disconnected ductwork - System inefficiencies - Damaged condenser fins
Interior	- Water stains - Carpet stains - Worn floors
Ventilation	- Loose insulation - Inadequate attic ventilation - Missing attic insulation  top

Why do I need a home inspection?  top
A home inspection summarizes the condition of a property, points out the need for major repairs and identifies areas that may need attention in the near future. Buyers and sellers depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their knowledge of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before executing an agreement for sale or purchase. A home inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After an inspection, both parties have a much clearer understanding of the value and needs of the property.

For homeowners, an inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn about preventive measures, which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, an inspection prior to placing your home on the market provides a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and provides you an opportunity to make repairs that will make your home more desirable to potential buyers.

Can’t I do the inspection myself?   top
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. A professional home inspector has the experience, depth of knowledge and training to make an unbiased and informed report of the condition of a property. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation and maintenance. An inspector understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail and knows what to look for and is uniquely suited to interpret what their findings reveal about the condition of the property.

Most buyers find it difficult to remain objective about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information about the condition of a home, always obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

Can a house fail a home inspection?  top
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies compliance to local codes and standards. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. A home inspection describes the physical condition of a property and indicates what may need repair or replacement.

When do I call in the home inspector?  top
Before you sign the contract or purchase agreement, make your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. Contact a home inspector immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Home inspectors are aware of the time constraints involved in purchase agreements and most are available to conduct the required inspection within a few days.

Do I have to be there?  top
While it is not necessary for you to be present, it is always recommended that you make time to join the inspector for their visit. This allows you to observe the inspector, ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain them. After you have seen the property with the inspector, you will find the  report easier to understand.

What if the report reveals problems?  top
No house is perfect. When the inspector identifies problems, it does not indicate you should not buy the house. His findings serve to educate you in advance of the purchase about the condition of the property. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are discovered during an inspection. If your budget is tight, or if you do not want to be involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely valuable.

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If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Yes. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. From the inspection, you will have learned many things about your new home, and will want to keep that information for future reference.