The Home Inspection: How it Works and Why You Need One
We all know that knowledge is power. A thorough home inspection is the key to helping you make the most informed decision about the home you are about to buy. If it is identified that the house has thousands of dollars of repairs, you will now have the ammunition to renegotiate the deal or walk away from it altogether.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is simply a visual check-up for the property you hope to purchase. It should expose any major problems, point out needed repairs, and help highlight potential risks.
A home inspection is not a guarantee that a property is in good condition, rather it is the ammunition that helps the potential buyer make an informed decision.
Who is Present at a Home Inspection?
Besides the professional home inspector you hired, the buying real estate agent will be there. It is a very good idea for the buyer to attend as well as it gives a chance to ask the inspector detailed questions about the home, how the systems work, and what maintenance may be needed.
Sometimes buyers want to bring others with them to the inspection. Often family members or others may be invited but that may not be the best idea as it may distract the inspector. The same goes for contractors. If the buyer wants to get a contractor in to determine the costs for improvements, more people talking shop may cause an additional distraction for the inspector. After all, you are paying the inspector to find out as much as possible.
Sellers should not be present as they tend to be emotionally involved in the home and may take any issues personally.
What Will A Home Inspector Look For?
A home inspector is looking for visible areas that are easily accessible:
- Physical structures including the driveway, garage floor, roofing, attic spaces, and foundations.
- Interior structures including the flooring, walls, doors, windows and look for signs of water damage.
- Major systems including running the water by turning on each and every faucet to test water flow, and cold and hot water output. Also, all the fixed appliances such as heating systems, hot water heating systems A/C systems and toilets are tested for basic functionality.
- Utilities are reviewed and documented on the condition of observable electrical wiring and gas service if installed.
What Is Not Included?
Home inspectors will not cover every possible problem in the house. They will typically follow a state or inspection association standards of practice. Keep in mind that a home inspection is a visual inspection of the exterior and interior of the home of items that are readily visible and accessible. Normally, they will not test for mold, radon gas, or water potability unless separately contracted to do so. Items such as lead paint, asbestos or signs of pest damage typically require the services of a specialist in each of those perspective fields. If you suspect that the property has any of these issues, you should schedule a specialist.
How Do You Find a Reputable Home Inspector?
You don’t have to look far to find a top-quality inspector in Connecticut. At Angell Home Inspection Services, LLC, we provide fast, reliable, worry-free residential home inspection services designed to give you the peace of mind you deserve. Check out our 5-star Google reviews here.
Following our evaluation, we’ll compile our findings in an easy-to-read report, which will include detailed descriptions and high-resolution digital photos of any issues we’ve discovered. We’ll email your report within 48 hours, and our job isn’t finished until you understand everything in it.
Please contact Angell Home Inspection at (860) 402-6644 or schedule your inspection here.