Education for Buyers

What Can I Expect from a Professional Home Inspection?

The job of a professional inspector is to look over every major part of a home. He then prepares a detailed report that judges the home's quality and condition. He can spot problems or possible problems that you may not be able to see or get to. It's highly recommended that you be present when your home is inspected so that you can have problems clearly explained, repair estimates calculated, and maintenance costs explained. A written report will be provided for you and your buyer's agent within a day or two.

The inspection report will include the following:

EXTERIOR: the foundation, gutters and down spouts, siding, paint, windows, doors, roof, chimney, driveways, retaining walls and walks, and grounds for proper grading

INTERIOR: general structure for soundness, floors and stairs for bowing, plumbing system for leaks, heating/cooling system for condition, electrical system for condition, insulation in walls, attic, and basement or crawlspace

Next: What Kind of Homeowner’s Insurance Should I Carry?