The Selling Edge

A home inspection is a detailed examination of your home's structure and systems conducted by a professional home inspector. As a buyer, you can use the inspection report to decide whether to revoke your offer if any major or minor issues are discovered or to request repairs if the contract is contingent upon a satisfactory report. As a homeowner, you are not obligated to repair or replace any items identified during the inspection. However, as your real estate agent, I will provide suggestions on how to keep the deal intact.

During a home inspection, a qualified inspector thoroughly examines various aspects of a property to assess its condition and identify any potential issues. Here are the key areas typically looked at during a home inspection:

Structural Components: This includes the foundation, walls, roof, ceilings, floors, and overall structural integrity of the home.

Exterior: The inspector checks the exterior of the home, including the siding, windows, doors, trim, decks, patios, driveways, and grading around the property to assess for any damage or maintenance issues.

Roofing: The condition of the roof, including the roofing materials, flashing, gutters, downspouts, and any signs of leaks or damage, is inspected.

Plumbing System: The plumbing system is examined, including pipes, fixtures, faucets, water heater, water pressure, drainage, and any visible leaks or issues.

Electrical System: The electrical system is checked for proper wiring, outlets, switches, circuit breakers, electrical panels, grounding, and safety hazards like exposed wires or overloaded circuits.

HVAC Systems: The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are inspected to ensure they are functioning properly, including the furnace, air conditioning unit, ductwork, filters, thermostats, and ventilation.

Interior Spaces: Interior areas of the home, such as rooms, ceilings, walls, floors, stairs, railings, doors, and windows, are examined for any visible damage, defects, or safety concerns.

Insulation and Ventilation: The inspector checks the insulation levels, ventilation in attics and crawl spaces, and ensures proper airflow to prevent moisture issues and energy inefficiency.

Appliances: If included in the inspection, major appliances like the stove, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, and dryer are tested to verify they are in working condition.

Safety Features: The inspector evaluates safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, handrails, and other safety measures required by building codes. After the inspection is completed, the inspector provides a detailed report outlining their findings, including any deficiencies, recommended repairs or maintenance, and important safety concerns. Buyers can use this information to negotiate repairs or credits with the seller or make an informed decision about the property

The inspector won’t check some items that are unusual or inaccessible, such as.

• Septic systems.
• Lead based paint or hazardous concerns.
• Wells both potable and non-potable.
• Underground pipes and sprinkler systems.
• Swimming pools and spas.
• Playground equipment.

However, the buyer can hire inspectors who specialize in these types of inspections.

Before the home inspector arrives, you should:

After the inspection report is generated and provided, we will have a discussion. I will assist regarding any possible issues. You have the option to negotiate with the buyers and decide to fix or replace an item, or provide money for the buyers to fix it themselves. If you had already planned on fixing or replacing an issue that was discovered, simply provide documentation that the problem has been addressed or is scheduled for replacement. As your real estate agent, I will assist you in handling any inspection issues.