Home Inspection 101: What Does a Home Inspection Consist Of

Be it a homeowner, a seller, or even a person who is considering purchasing a home, a home inspection comes as a very important part, especially if you are purchasing a property. But before getting an inspection, you must also know what a home inspector would be looking for when assessing the property. Most people, however, have no clue about this. In the end, they end up getting an incomplete inspection and a distorted or inaccurate report.

Don’t worry if you are a first-time buyer and don’t have much idea about home inspections. In this blog, we are going to break down everything for you, starting with what a home inspection is, what does a home inspection consist of, and what to make out of the report of your home inspection. Let’s dive in!

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a thorough assessment of a given property by a certified home inspector. The inspector here will examine all the important parts of the structure of the property, like the foundation and all crucial systems within, such as the plumbing, electrical, sewage, and air conditioning systems. Overall property is assessed to evaluate for its safety, functionality, any damages, fire safety issues, or anything that can affect its value.

What Does a Home Inspection Consist Of

A home inspection covers all the major structures, parts, and systems that make a property, the damage and breakdown of which can hamper the safety of the resident or cause excessive expenditures. Rather than just checking the cosmetic appearance, the actual condition is checked. This includes:

• Exteriors: The inspector will examine the house from the outside. This comprises the roofing, gutters, siding, foundation, grading, windows, doors, decks, and drainage. They will look for any cracks, shifts, structural, or water-related issues.
• Interiors & Structural Systems: When assessing the interiors, the inspector will check the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and staircases. Here, too, they will check for any cracks, as well as signs of water damage and any structural shifts. Further, the windows will be assessed for insulation and energy efficiency, along with the attics and basement for ventilation, leaks, and molds.
• Major Systems: The major systems will include the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. They are checked for safety and efficiency, as well as any outdated parts are noted.

Additional Areas of Inspection

In addition to the above, a good home inspector, like Apex Home Inspections, also includes other components. The extras may include:

• Appliances offered as a part of the home.
• Insulation and ventilation of the entire structure.
• Safety elements, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and handrails.

At Apex Home Inspections, we also make sure that these inspections are not just a visual examination, but a comprehensive assessment of the strength, functionality, and structure.

Failure of a Home Inspection

The next question that comes is, when does a home inspection fail? Home inspection do not pass or fail. They only determin the condition of each componant. Examples are:

• Roof Damage: Missing or loose shingles, widespread water damage.
• Electrical Damage: Non-functioning appliances or potential hazards, like broken or frayed wires, that can cause any mishap.
• Plumbing Issues: Leaks, non-functioning taps and water heater, sewage problems.
• Pests & Mold

What to do when a component of the inspection is damaged or not operating or posing a safety condition

On failure of the home inspection, as a seller or homeowner, you will be required to repair those damages or lower your expected price. As a buyer, you can take the following steps:

• Negotiate the Price: Since there is so much damage that you might need to repair in the near future, you can ask the seller to lower the price, allowing you to cover the repair costs.
• Ask for Repairs: If the seller, however, declines your request to lower the price, ask them to get the necessary repairs done, so that you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs in the near future.
• Move Away from the Purchase: In case the seller declines to get the repairs done as well, then you can move away from the purchase and look for better options.

Finding a Reputable Home Inspector

When getting a home inspection, it's ideal to go for someone who is reputable and can offer professional inspection services. At Apex Home Inspections, we are one of the leading home inspection companies in British Columbia, offering expert and experienced inspectors who complete their job effectively, working according to a strict code of evaluation.

We offer accurate reports and indicate where the real problem is. In addition, our professionals also offer complete guidance on what to expect and what your plan of action should be.

Final Thoughts

Getting a home inspection done for the first time might leave you wondering: What does a home inspection consist of? While it is a tricky part and one may end up with a report that doesn’t cover what is important, with our guide, you are sure to master this, too.

However, it also becomes equally important to hire a home inspector who has a good expertise and understanding of home inspections, so that they offer comprehensive reports while also helping you understand what is wrong with the property. At Apex Home Inspections, we just offer that. Ready to get your potential home evaluated for a confident purchase? Give us a call or email us, and we will get back to you in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do inspectors check every room?

Absolutely. Our home inspectors make sure that every space that is accessible is checked to ensure the safety of our clients.

How long do home inspections take?

Home inspections might take you 2-4 hours on-site; thereafter, the home inspector will take from 1-2 business days to complete a detailed report and offer it to you.

What is the riskiest part of a home inspection?

Water damage is the riskiest part of home inspections. What might appear to be perfectly fine can be severely damaged by waterlogging. In such situations, the major issue is that the part may break down at any point, causing either physical damage or financial expenditure.