What is a Home Inspection and Why Do You Need It?

Well, the inspector is subject to laws regarding home inspection and should have the proper certifications and/or licenses through the state. But what purpose does a home inspection serve?

The home inspection is a visual assessment of the condition of a house. Inspections are frequently performed when an individual is going to buy a home, but can be done at any time to see what is wrong with a home in order to ensure it stays in satisfactory condition. However, this is a service that is utilized mostly when an individual is buying a home.

What a home inspector does

All you have to do is call the home inspector of your choice and have them meet you at the home. A home inspection can take a couple of hours, while the inspector walks through the home and looks at certain areas. An inspector knows exactly what to look at and, although he or she cannot see within the walls, can sometimes spot telltale signs that something is wrong inside the structure itself.

The home inspector will:

• Assess the outside and inside of the home

• Look for cracks, holes, and any other signs of structural damage such as water damage

• Look for any creaks and cracks in floors

• Evaluate any evidence of electrical issues

• Look at basements for signs of leakage and will look at piping if it is visible

• Look at an attic to ensure it is properly insulated and if any other issues exist

There are so many areas that a home inspector can observe. Once the observation period is over, a report is generated.

Who uses home inspection?

A homeowner getting ready to sell their home may use a home inspector. They do this so that they can make necessary repairs before placing the home on the market. Banks will provide a list of inspectors to potential buyers and the report may be provided to the bank so that the bank knows the property is not an extreme liability. And sometimes buyers will call on an inspector on their own to ensure they are making a good buy.

This is a necessary service as a homeowner and as a home buyer. It provides protection for all parties involved and also helps a buyer reduce the amount they pay on a home based on the flaws that are found.