Home Inspections PT 2

Here is my second in a series on home inspections.  In my previous post, I wrote about ASHI, or the American Society of Home Inspectors and about the fact that Ohio is a state that does not require a license for a home inspector. 

In this second part, I’d like to explain a bit about the actual inspection process. 

So you’re purchasing a new home, and you’ve selected a home inspector who you feel comfortable talking with etc.  The date and time are set.  Anything else?

When booking the inspection, a good inspector will inquire whether or not the home has city water and sewer.  If you’re purchasing a home with a well or septic system, these typically require additional inspections.  A few home inspectors hold a license to inspect septic, but most do not.  These two components of a property can add up to a very large sum if it’s necessary to repair of replace them, so inspecting prior to purchase is important.  If you need these additional services, your inspector or realtor should be able to help.  I’ll post more on each on these particular situations later.

Also consider having a Radon test done for you.  Radon is a gas emitted as Uranium in rock and soil breaks down, and it is considered a health risk.  It can have elevated levels in any type of house based on the home’s construction, heating and cooling properties, and other properties.  Again, a rather involved subject, so I’ll follow up with a dedicated post.  Know that some areas in North East Ohio, such as Lake and Lorain Counties seem to have higher Radon levels.  Again, the inspector and realtor should be able to guide you.

A good home inspector is going to already have asked you or your realtor if the home is occupied, if utilities are on etc.  If the utilities are not on, the inspection will not give you all the information you’ll need.  This is very important, so confirm that water, gas, and electric are all turned on for the inspection.  Sometimes it’s just not possible to inspect with all on, but try.

On the day of the inspection, when you arrive, there will typically be a contract to sign between the buyer and the inspector.  This is known as the pre inspection agreement, and it lays out in writing exactly what you can expect from the inspector, what he can and can’t do, what he will and won’t do etc.  Remember, no inspector can see through walls.  They are conducting a general, non-exhaustive inspection.   This means they can take the cover off the furnace to observe operation, but they can’t disassemble it as a heating and cooling contractor would do.   Your inspector may advise just such an inspection in his report, but he or she would not be doing that themselves.  Think of the inspector as a generalist who may call for specialist evaluation.

It’s important for you, the client to be present during the inspection.  The final report will be filled with information, but much more information can be provided verbally, and it’s a great chance to ask questions and lean about things.  It’s always surprising how many clients don’t think this is important.  Everyone is different, and you don’t have to stick like glue to your inspector, but just being present somewhere in the house allows them to call you over to show you something they’ve found that you may need to see to understand. 

In my next post I’ll talk about the actual process of the inspection.