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| The 5 W's of Home Inspection: What is a home Inspection and who are home inspectors? A home inspection is a visual inspection by a licensed home inspector of the basic components of a home. A home inspector is a generalist who has a working knowledge of the basic components and systems of a home. A home inspector is not a specilist in any field. In other words a home inspector is like a family doctor. If you go to your family doctor and they find a problem with your heart they would send you to a heart specilist. Who needs a home inspection? You do. If you are looking to purchase your dream home, looking for an investment property or even selling your home it is recommended that you get a home insepction. Why do I need a home inspection? A home inspection is performed to determine if a specialist is needed for further evaluation of a particular compnent or system. For example, a home inspetor may find a problem with a plumbing drain that requires the attention of a qualified and licensed plumber. When do I need a home inspection? If you are about to buy a home and you are in your option period or if you are looking to sell your home and would like to know what could come up on a buyers inspection report or would just want to make sure that you get top dollar for your home that is the best time to get a home inspection. What does a home inspector look for? Although an inspection is not technically exhaustive, care will be taken in the performance of the inspection and analysis will be based upon brief, limited observations of the visible and apparent conditions of the home and its major components. So what does a home inspector look for? Structural items such as the foundation, grading and drainage, roof covering, roof structure and attic, walls (interior and exterior), ceilings and floors, doors, windows, fireplace and chimney, porches, decks and carports. Electrical systems like the service entrance and panels (main distribution panel) and branch circuits like outlets, switches and visible electrical wires. Heating, Ventilation and A/C systems including but not limited to: furnace, evaporator coils, condensing units, ducts and vents. Plumbing Systems such as water supply systems and fixtures, drains, wastes and vents, water heaters, and whirlpool equipment if present. Any appliance that stays with the home. For example: dishwashers, food waste disposers, range hoods, ranges, ovens and cooktops, microwave (if built in), trash compactors, bathroom exhaust fans and/or heaters, whole house vacume systems, garage door operators, door bell and chimes, dryer vents and any other built in appliances. And some inspectors will also look for lawn sprinklers, swiming pools and their equipment, outbuildings, outdoor cooking equipment, gas lines, water wells, septic systems, security systems and fire protection equipment like smoke detectors. | |
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