What is actually covered in a home inspection? A home inspection is a visual inspection of your home & major systems. It is meant to give you a comprehensive report at that moment in time of areas that require fixing or further evaluation by a specialist. It is also a helpful tool in negotiations with the seller on who pays for repairs.
What is covered in a typical home inspection is largely dictated by the home inspector’s state standards and/or the 2 main associations that most inspectors belong to:
- InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
- ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors)
Each organization (and in some cases state licensing board) has their own Standards of Practice (SOP) that covers what their home inspectors are required and not required to inspect. There are slight nuances between each, but all have very thorough, similar standards for which their home inspectors must adhere to.
What is covered in a home inspection report?
Each inspector has a different level of detail and flow for how they inspect a house, and their report will reflect that. Be sure to look at a prospective inspector’s sample home inspection report to ensure that it is an informative, easy to navigate report.
Below is a quick overview of the services typically included in your home inspection, and the major systems analyzed and assessed throughout the process.
Exterior, Foundation & Structural Components (also could include basement, crawlspace)
This section will generally include:
- Description of structure, foundation, floors, walls & ceilings
- Condition of the visible elements such as foundation walls, framing, slabs, posts, beams, joists, etc.
- Indications of moisture or water penetration
- Land grading around the home, walkways, steps, driveways, decks, patios, retaining walls, etc.
Roof, Gutters & Downspouts
This section will generally include:
- Description of roofing materials, drainage systems, & ventilation
- Flashings, soffits & fascias
- Skylights, Chimneys, & any roof penetrations
Inspectors aren’t required to climb on the roof to inspect, but many will if it is easily accessible and safe.
Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
This section will generally include:
- Presence of attic insulation and approximate depth (R-value)
- Any evidence of water intrusion
- Kitchen, bathroom, & laundry exhaust systems
- Ventilation of unfinished spaces
There must be sufficient headroom for inspectors to enter attic spaces or they may not be able to inspect.
Electrical
This section will generally include:
- Location of main sub-panels, amperage rating, wiring method
- Presence or absence of smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors
- Inspection of technical aspects – service drop, entrance conductors, cables, disconnects, grounding, over-current protection devices, electric meter & base, etc.
- Verifying operation of a representative number of switches, fixtures & receptacles
- Inspection of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) receptacles using a GFCI tester
Inspectors are not required to test every outlet, move furniture or appliances, or test ancillary items like burglar alarms, timers, etc.
Plumbing
This section will generally include:
- Description of the interior water supply, drain, waste & vent piping materials
- Water heater energy source, approximate age, condition, etc.
- Location of the main water & fuel supply shut-off valves
- Operation & functional flow of fixtures & faucets
- Testing of waste lines & drain pumps
Heating & Cooling (HVAC)
This section will generally include:
- Inspection of HVAC (condition, age) & distribution systems (ductwork, radiant, etc)
- Description of energy & fuel sources
- Location & operation of thermostat
- Inspection of vent systems, flues or chimneys
- Operation of systems using readily accessible controls
Fireplaces
This section will generally include:
- Inspection of fuel-burning fireplaces, stoves & inserts
- Operation of dampers, accessories & components
- Chimneys & vent systems
- Evidence of damage or deterioration of hearth or chambers
Inspectors generally aren’t required to operate gas fireplace inserts, light pilot flames or inspect interior of chimney or flues.
Interior (Garage, Doors, Windows, Appliances)
This section will generally include:
- Inspection of walls, ceilings, floors, steps, stairways & railings
- Inspection of countertops, cabinets, doors, & windows
- Operation of garage door and opener operators
- Operation of built-in appliances (oven, range, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal)
Inspectors are not required to inspect household appliances or move carpets, furniture, etc. to inspect concealed flooring.
BONUS FEATURES
While home inspection reports aren’t required to give you guidance on what to do next or who to call for quotes, it’s very helpful when they do. In some instances, your home inspector will be able to give you ballpark figures for how much fixes will cost.
Experienced inspectors are generally comfortable giving you their opinion on average life spans and common remedies, with the knowledge that they aren’t liable should something go wrong.
Their advice and guidance should never be a substitute for an inspection by a qualified, licensed contractor in that category.
If there is any questions as to what’s covered, definitely ask your home inspector before signing the inspection agreement so there are no surprises.
Why Dwell Inspect Idaho?
Whether you are buying, selling, or maintaining your home, Dwell Inspect Idaho provides professional and quality service from the moment you call us. Our licensed home inspector will walk through your home with you and teach you as much as you want to learn. We strictly follow the Standards of Practice for home inspectors established by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the leading home inspection association.
After we walk through the home together, we will personally explain the general condition of the home and systems with you and your agent. We will talk through any major issues that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. We will also mention the items that you will want to keep an eye on for deferred maintenance. All of this will be detailed in our easy-to-read Spectora report, that will be delivered SAME-DAY in HTML and/or PDF format. From that report, you’ll be able to see the items we discussed, with images for reference.
