What Is A Home Inspection? 

Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic, well or radon testing.

Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s regulations, if any, and professional affiliations as a guide.

A home inspection is an overall, non-invasive analysis of the condition of a home at the time of inspection. This includes the different systems, such as the plumbing, roofing, exterior, structure, electrical, the interior, heating/cooling, insulation and ventilation. All of the mentioned components must work independently, while acting as a single system for a home to function properly.

The primary goal of a home inspector is to protect the buyer’s interests…to identify and report on the major deficiencies, unsafe or expensive problems that exist in the home. Once the inspection has been completed, the inspector communicates the findings through a written report. If possible, the clients should accompany the inspector during the inspection. This way, the buyer can ask questions while the inspector educates the client along the way. I always recommend that my clients come with me because they will leave with a better overall understanding of the home.

In Cambridge Ontario, not all home inspectors are required to be licensed, insured, educated in all housing systems, complete appropriate field training unless they belong to a professional association. In addition, to stay licensed, we are strictly required to continually update our education by attending relevant courses. The home inspection field is relatively new, when you compare it to other professions. It is continually evolving to keep relevant with the changing building requirements and the educated public. There is a lot of effort involved with this process, which makes the role of a home inspector challenging, yet rewarding.

It is an evaluation of the visible and accessible systems and components of a home (plumbing system, roof, etc.) and is intended to give the client (usually a homebuyer) a better understanding of their condition. It is also important to know what a home inspection is not! It is not an appraisal of the property’s value; nor should you expect it to address the cost of repairs. It does not guarantee that the home complies with local building codes (which are subject to periodic change) or protect you in the event an item inspected fails in the future. Nor should it be considered a “technically exhaustive” evaluation, but rather an evaluation of the property on the day it is inspected, taking into consideration normal wear and tear.

Aside from the time invested, the value of the inspection and report can be measured by its usefulness. If the inspection turns up little wrong with the house, you've bought some relatively inexpensive peace of mind. If the inspection finds serious problems, your Home Inspection Fee could end up saving you many thousands of dollars.

If you hire the right home inspector you will hire a professional that provides an objective, visual examination of the homes condition. As a home buyer you should view the home inspection as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of your lifetime. It helps you to determine if there are any major defects or needed repairs at the time of purchase. It is also an educational experience.

Often home inspections are performed after a sales contract is signed. The contract may be conditional upon the results of the home inspection, and if major concerns are found you may have the option of canceling the contract. The inspection should be arranged as soon as possible after signing the contract. More and more often sellers are having their homes inspected prior to placing them on the market so that repairs can be made before hand, making the home more marketable.

Home inspectors not only look for needed improvements they also highlight the positive aspects of the home. I encourage the home buyer to attend the inspection, so that you can see firsthand the workings of the home. It is also an excellent opportunity to ask questions about the home and to discuss potential changes.

Optional Inspections (since these are not found in every home, they are not normally priced into the above inspection fess please inform your inspector if you want these inspected as well so that he or she can supply proper pricing. Your inspector may refer you to company specializing in these inspections.

The definition of codes is the minimum building practices allowed to make a structure safe, sound, and sanitary. To the extent that is allowed, obviously our standards and inspections are based on accepted practices. But a home inspection covering complete adherence to code is not possible due to the nature of the constraints of this inspection. Much of the structure is covered disallowing visual inspection. The inspection is non-invasive because the property may not be owned by the inspector nor by the client.

In essence, a Home Inspection is a snapshot of a house on the day of the inspection. It is a non-invasive, visual evaluation of the property's basic structure, the structure's foundation or basement, interior, exterior, roof, electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling systems. The purpose of an inspection is to detect major visible problems or defects and unsafe conditions.

A Home Inspection may be used to provide information for various purposes. There are pre-purchase inspections, new home construction and one-year walk-through inspections, pre-listing inspections and inspections for the purpose of litigation in construction defect cases.

Most often, a home inspection is used to assist a client in making a more informed purchasing decision. The inspector may also educate the buyer as to typical life expectancies, items to budget for replacement as well as how to take care of and maintain the property.

As a consumer and home buyer you have the right to know exactly what a typical real estate (home) inspection is. The information presented here is intended give you a better understanding of exactly what your Home Inspector will and will not do for you during the course of an inspection.

The goal of a home inspection is to give the client a much better understanding of the physical condition of the structure than would otherwise be known. To achieve this an inspector conducts a visual inspection of the home and its systems.

Typical homes take 3 - 4 hours to inspect. When the client arrives the inspector often presents a pre-inspection agreement to be signed followed by payment. A good inspector then gives the client an overview of the inspection process and invites the client to accompany him.

Upon completion of the inspection the inspector should give the client a summary of what was discovered and an opportunity to ask questions. The client then receives a signed written report of the findings. The report is the client's property; no other party is entitled to see it.

A home inspection is a thorough, in-depth visual examination of the structure and operating components of a home. It is recommended for buyers and sellers, or anyone planning to buy a new or older home.

A trained inspector will point out areas of concern during the inspection as well as educate you, the buyer, as to proper care and maintenance procedures. This information will assist you in making an unemotional, intelligent, and informed purchase decision. A professional home inspection will also provide you with a feeling of security and peace of mind regarding one of the largest investments of a lifetime.

AH & P highly recommends the buyers be present at the inspection. If it is not possible to attend the inspection, we will follow up the report with a telephone call to review our findings with you.

A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found the home inspector will include a description of the problem in a written report and may recommend further evaluation.

Home Buyers: Emotion often affects the buyer and makes it hard to imagine any problems with their new home. A buyer needs a home inspection to find out all the problems possible with the home before moving in.

Home Sellers: More and more sellers are choosing to have a thorough inspection before or when they first list their home. First and foremost, you should have a home inspection for full disclosure. You will have demonstrated that you did all you could do to reveal any defects within the home. Second, you will save money and hassle by knowing now what your defects are, not after you have already negotiated a price and are faced with costly repairs discovered on the buyers inspection. Defects found before the buyer comes along allow you to shop around for a contractor and not deal with inflated estimates that a buyer will present.

A home inspection is a thorough visual examination of the structure, systems and components of a home by experienced, objective professional home inspectors. Homebuyers now entering the marketplace view home inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. It helps them to determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies at the time of purchase and will educate them about the construction, operation and maintenance of the home.

In most cases, home inspections are performed after the seller has accepted a sales contract, conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection. The home inspection can usually be scheduled within a couple of days. The homebuyer is encouraged to attend the home inspection and follow the home inspector, so that he/she can see firsthand the workings of the home, ask questions about any problems or defects that may be discovered or to discuss potential desired changes or improvements.

The home inspector’s service to the purchaser is primarily one of education. The goal of home inspectors is to provide the purchaser with a better understanding of the physical condition of the home and what repairs or improvements may be needed. In many cases the information obtained from the inspection can save the homebuyer hundreds or thousands of dollars. After the inspection is completed, a written report is prepared for the homebuyer, documenting the results of the inspection.

Home Buyers entering the marketplace view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchases of the lifetime. We recommend the client attend the inspection. Home inspections are not intended to point out every small problem or any non-visible defects in a home. Most minor or cosmetic flaws should be apparent without the aid of a professional. Home inspections highlight the positive aspects of a home. In fact, many of the home inspectors observations or recommendations help to dispel buyer anxieties, and provide useful repair and maintenance suggestions.

Design complexity plays a role in roof failures. The more penetrations, valleys, changes in directions increases the probability for premature failure or leaks. Stepper roofs last longer because water runs off quicker and does not back up during high winds. Resurfacing a roof costs thousands of dollars, and will cost more if the existing roofing needs to be removed prior to re-roofing.

Having a home inspected is similar to getting a physical checkup. If a problem or symptom is discovered, the inspector may recommend further evaluation. The inspection will take approximately three hours to complete, depending on the size and age of the home.

In layman’s terms, having a home inspected is akin to giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.

As a home buyer/seller or real estate professional, you have a right to know exactly what a typical real estate inspection is. The following information should give you a better understanding of exactly what your inspector should (and should not) do for you during the course of a home inspection.

First and foremost, an inspection is a visual survey of those easily accessible areas that an inspector can clearly see. No destructive testing or dismantling is done during the course of an inspection, hence an inspector can only tell a client exactly what was clearly in evidence at the time and date of the inspection. The inspectors eyes are not any better than the buyers, except that the inspector is trained to look for specific tell-tale signs and clues that may lead to the discovery of actual or potential defects or deficiencies.

Buying a home is one of the most emotional and stressful times in your life. During times like these, it's easy to look at situations differently than you ordinarily would. A home inspector won't be swayed by emotions while determining the condition of the house. Having a professional and impartial inspection of a home not only provides you with important facts about the condition of the home, it also takes away some of the stress associated with the decisions you've made and need to make.

While most houses have at least minor defects, keep in mind all problems have a solution. If there is something wrong with any of the major systems of the home or if any of them are out of date or near the end of their useful life, it may or may not be expensive to correct. This doesn't mean you should or should not buy the house. By having a home inspected, you gain the benefit of reviewing a full inspection report which affords you the opportunity to discuss any potential or existing problems with your realtor and lawyer. They can advise you on the best course of action, if any is needed.

A home inspection by a professional is a comprehensive visual and structural inspection, both inside and out, from foundation to rooftop. You get a detailed report of the house structure, systems and condition. A professional opinion from someone you trust... how much is it worth when you are buying your home?

Home inspectors are generalists with broad knowledge on many topics. The home inspector does a visual inspection and reports the major deficiencies and items affecting the habitability of the property. A good inspector must be well versed in all fields of residential construction and have good communication skills. The home inspector gives an overview of the condition of the property and discloses major defects.

Almost every home inspector will provide you with a written report that explains the condition of the four major systems of the home. These systems are Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Air Conditioning, and Structural. Most, if not all, real estate contracts limit the buyer to repair requests in these systems only. Because of this, some inspectors will only inspect these areas.

Keep in mind that all used homes have deferred maintenance. If the home inspector fails to point out these areas, are you getting your money's worth? Deferred maintenance areas may start out small and minor, but left unattended can be very costly in the end. A concerned home inspector will not only make you aware of these areas, but will provide a repair recommendation as well. The report should provide you with a clear understanding between a major system issue and a deferred maintenance issue.

Any problems a home inspector finds during the assessment is then documented and suggested courses of action are given to the homeowner. The home inspection takes place after a buyer has made an offer on a home and the seller has accepted.

Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make. It is important to make sure you are making a well-informed purchase and a home inspection can help you do this. This one step can potentially save you thousands of dollars in unknown problems that could have been dealt with at the point of sale and cost the previous homeowner rather than yourself.

Home inspectors look carefully at the roof, foundation, windows and doors for any sign of water entry and for existing water damage. We also predict conditions such as grading towards the house or other emerging wear that could allow water in the future, noting that suggestions are then made for immediate and future repair considerations and preventative measures.

Most houses cannot be inspected in less than two hours. Depending upon the age, condition and size of the house, the inspection can take longer.

The inspection should be documented by a full written report, discussing noteworthy observations.

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE INSPECTOR'S OBSERVATIONS BE PUT IN PERSPECTIVE BY CLEARLY WRITTEN RECOMMENDATIONS.

No house is perfect. The professional Home Inspector can help you distinguish between minor imperfections and major concerns. Many homes also have components that are significantly better than average, these are worthy of mention.

A home inspection, sometimes called a property inspection or building inspection, is a thorough visual examination of a home that is performed by a Certified Professional Inspector at a specific point in time. The inspection is non-invasive, performed for a fee, and is designed to identify material defects within specific components of a home or property. These components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.

Homes may be inspected for a variety of reasons but in many cases a home is inspected before a home is sold to reveal any defects that may be problematic for the buyer. A typical home inspection will include a complete walk-through of the house in which the condition of the home is closely examined, any deficiencies or defects are noted, and recommendations for repairs are made. The home inspection is intended to assist in the evaluation of the overall condition of the home, at the time of the inspection, and is not a prediction of future conditions.

A typical home inspection will take between 2 and 3 hours to complete. During this time the home will be thoroughly examined from the exterior to the interior. A home inspection should include observations and, when acceptable, operation of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and appliance systems.

In addition a good home inspection should document the condition of structural components, roofing, foundation, exterior and interior walls, doors, windows, and chimneys. After completion of the home inspection a comprehensive inspection report should be provided that documents the condition of the home and indicates existing material defects or problems that were visually observed by the home inspector.

A comprehensive home inspection is very important when purchasing a home. Buying a home is one the largest investments that many people make, but very few home buyers are experienced in building construction, and overlooking a serious material defect could be very costly down the road. Because of this, many buyers elect to have the home inspected prior to closing the sale. This will document any defects that may be discussed with the seller during negotiations.

A home inspection is a comprehensive visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from foundation to roof, as provided by an objective third party. The home inspector will provide you with a report detailing any components that are not performing properly and items that are unsafe. Areas that may need further evaluation or repairs will also be noted by the home inspector. This report will give you the knowledge to make an informed decision, and ensure that you are getting a good value for your investment.

When buying a home, most people find it difficult to remain objective about the house they really want. To obtain the most accurate information about a home's condition, you should get an impartial, third-party, home inspection expert. Hiring a professional home inspector can actually SAVE you money: I usually reveal repairs, maintenance or otherwise, that far exceed the cost of the home inspection. These repairs may be done by the current owner, or, may be negotiated off the asking price. The end result is that the home inspection saves you money, rather than costing you money.

When selling a home, it is a good idea to have a home inspection conducted before waiting for a buyer's home inspector to uncover hidden problems. This will give you the time to decide whether it makes more sense to have any necessary repairs completed yourself or disclose them to potential home buyers prior to the negotiation process. You'll have a more buyer-friendly home and may even sell your house sooner!

If you are planning to buy a house, you should know that no house is perfect, even a brand-new one. This doesn't mean that you won't find the house of your dreams. It does mean that when you find a house that's just what you want, you should go one step further and find out its problems or potential problems, if any, and get your home inspected by a certified home inspector. Problems can be the result of deficiencies in construction, deterioration due to aging, or safety and fire hazards. Very often the problems are quite minor and can be corrected at little or no cost. However, sometimes there are major problems that are quite costly to correct.

Usually when people decide to buy a home, the decision is based on a superficial inspection of the house. They tend to make an emotional decision which might be correct; however, it should be based on an understanding of the true condition of the house and not on its cosmetic condition.

A trained inspector will point out areas of concern during the inspection, as well as educate you, the buyer, as to proper care and maintenance procedures. This information will assist you in making an unemotional, intelligent, and informed purchase decision.

Homebuyers view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about one of the biggest purchases of their lifetime. It helps them to determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies at the time of the inspection.

In most cases, the home inspection is performed after the seller has accepted a sales contract, conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection. The inspection can usually be arranged immediately or within a few days. The homebuyer is encouraged to attend the inspection, so that he/she can see firsthand the workings of the home. It also represents an excellent opportunity for the prospective buyer to ask questions about the home or to discuss potential changes.

Home inspections should also highlight the positive aspects of a home. In fact, many of the home inspector's observations or recommendations help to dispel home purchaser anxieties, and provide useful repair and maintenance suggestions.

In its simplest terms, a home inspection is a visual analysis of the major systems of a house. These include the Roofing, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Insulation, Plumbing and the Interior.

Even brand new homes have flaws. But that doesn't mean you should give up the search for your dream home. It does mean that when you find the right house, you need to go one step further and find out what problems are present and what the implications are. Buying a house is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, so it makes good sense to have it checked out by a professional. That is when you should call on the services of AH & P.

The unknown can be a source of anxiety for any home buyer. A home inspection is for buyers who want to know the true condition of the house. After deciding that a home is suitable in terms of location, size, interior layout and other lifestyle factors, it is also important to learn about the mechanical features.

The home buying process can be confusing and stressful. Not only do you need to consider things such as price and location, you also have to worry about whether the house itself has any problems that could become costly surprises down the road.

The home inspection is an unbiased, professional assessment of the condition of the house. It provides you an expert opinion and professional report on the condition of the physical structure and various systems within a house. It gives you peace of mind on what is likely the largest purchase you will ever make.

In order to prepare the report, an inspector must conduct a visual inspection of the house. The inspection process typically takes about three hours to complete. This may vary, according to the size and condition of the home. We strongly encourage you to accompany the inspector during the inspection. This will give you a chance to ask questions and become familiar with the systems of the home.

A home inspection is an objective, visual examination of a home’s structure, systems and mechanical systems. Think of it like having a personal physical check-up that includes blood pressure, reflexes, temperature, etc., only on the home.

Of course you can inspect the home yourself. However, most homeowners lack the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. Professional home inspectors are familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation and maintenance and will document their findings to you in writing.

A Home Inspection is a visual examination of a home and its essential components. The key word is visual. A "snapshot" of the building and its components, on the day of inspection. The reason it is visual is because the inspector is a guest in the owner/sellers home. He/she is never permitted to "punch holes" in walls to see if there is adequate insulation, electrical wiring conditions, check for mold etc. That being said, a Certified Home Inspector is trained to look for and interpret real conditions of the home and recognize any existing or potential issues related to health and safety and/or structural defects of the home. Having a Home Inspector could easily save you thousands of dollars.

There are many possible defects that are not easily recognizable. Some defects can ultimately cost a fortune. Other issues may be minor but if not properly addressed could easily become major. A Home Inspector will not only recognize these issues but offer solutions that can save you a lot of money and stress.

Being present during a Home Inspection allows you to see and immediately question any issues that the inspector may find. Remember, this is going to be your future home. Your home inspection could represent the best time to learn an incredible amount of information about your home and future in it. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, the home inspector works for you and wants to share his/her knowledge with you on important issues like home safety and proper home maintenance practices.

Many buyers arrive at their Home Inspection unprepared. They are not aware of what all is involved in an Inspection, so they are not able to adequately prepare for it. Due to this, sometimes a buyer will have questions or concerns arise about the home. Often days after the inspection was performed. Many times these questions could have been answered by the Inspector, had it been brought to his attention.

A Home Inspection is a visual inspection of a structure, made by a qualified professional, who is trained and has experience in evaluating all the component features in a house, and who is able to give a clear and accurate picture of the condition of these components. It is important to remember that a Home Inspection is basically visual in nature, with no intrusive drilling or digging performed. When you and your Home Inspector have completed the Inspection, the house must be in the same (or better) condition than it was when you first began.

A Home Inspection should have a distinct two-prong focus. First, the primary goal is to clearly identify any potential significant defect that will affect your buying decision, and give you a realistic approximation of repair costs. Second, is to clearly identify any areas in need of near term repairs, or any components that are reaching the end of their useful life span. Even though it is secondary, this area provides very useful information that you will need when setting up your maintenance budget.

Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you'll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape.

After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence. If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement