Home Structure Inspection by a Home Inspector

A home inspection is performed by a home inspector who objectively and visually studies the structure of a home and the systems within the property. The home inspector will decide, based on their experience and educational background, what areas in a home are not safe, need replacement or repairs or what is not working properly. Their inspection includes the interior and exterior of a home, from roof to foundation and structure to framing, retaining walls and exterior drainage. When there are problems, or the home inspector detects symptoms that could lead to structural or framing or foundation problems, they will recommend that further investigation be carried out in order to replace or repair that problem.

Home inspectors generally have many years of experience and have extensive training. Because many home inspectors know so much about structures, foundations, electrical components, plumbing, and such, a lot of contractors and carpenters choose home inspecting as a second or part-time career. Most home inspectors carry Professional Liability Insurance in the event that one or more of their findings are disputed. Most home owners will ask for proof of insurance before an inspection is carried out.

Since buying a home is a huge purchase, a home inspection is vital making a home inspector crucial in ensuring that the home being purchased or constructed is structurally sound, the foundation is solid and the framing is designed to hold everything together. The home inspector will inspect the structure, foundation and framing for any defects and give an evaluation of the home, complete with a detailed report that spells out any areas of concern.

In some cases, a homeowner that has been living in a home for years will decide to have a home inspector come in to make sure that the structure of their home, the framing and foundation are in good shape and not in need of repair.

A home inspector will make sure that any framing work, either in progress or completed, is supported by braces and securely fixed to other parts of the home's structure. He will also make sure that the wood used for framing is good and without imperfections. Inspecting a home's structure and foundation includes reporting on the condition of the attic, roof, insulation, walls, floors, ceilings, basements, foundations and visible structures. An inspector also reviews a home’s electrical, plumbing, central air and heating systems.

Home Inspector Fees

A home inspector's fees are individual and based on what area of the country they are in, what type of building or home they are inspecting, the features of the home, the areas that warrant inspections, the size of the home, etc. If a home inspector is asked to check or asked to perform additional services like termite inspections, they may raise their fee. Keep in mind that a good home inspector is worth their weight in gold, as they will let you know of any potential problems that could end up costing you millions of dollars in repairs should you purchase the home. When hiring a home inspector, be wary of those who offer their services at discounted rates, because they are probably not qualified to do the job and will end up presenting you with a bogus report.

Most home inspectors will agree that whether a person has an older home or looking to buy a newly constructed home, a framing, structural and foundation inspection is absolutely necessary. The structural observations assess conformity to building codes and all the structural and systems components that a building is made up of like framing, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, roofing and cosmetic conditions. In many cases, the home inspector will also address environmental issues.

After the home inspector has completed their inspection, they will present their findings in a written document that will be presented to the client. The client can then present these findings to the seller, and ask the seller to make the necessary repairs recommended by the home inspector before the sale takes place. It is important for a client to understand the home inspector's report in order to relay what is required for repair or replacement work before agreeing to purchase the home. In some cases, the home inspector will invite their client to tour the home with them in order to get a clear picture of how conclusions and recommendations were arrived at.

A home inspector is someone you should trust, and as a potential home buyer, a home inspection is something you need to in order to protect yourself, because a home is one of the biggest investments of a person’s life. You need to know about any defects before you purchase the home, because if they are not repaired, you may need to start house shopping once again. The home inspector will give you the protection you need so that you aren't surprised by a cracked foundation or unsafe structure or frame after you've purchased the home that was supposed to be "your dream come true." Any major work after a sale will fall on your shoulders and not on the shoulders of the home inspector or the seller once a contract is signed, sealed and delivered. Make sure the home inspector you choose is reputable and honest.

Talk to a few home inspectors and ask them for references that you can check out. You want to know you are getting the best services for the money you will spend on hiring a home inspector. Ask the home inspector what is included in their services and what additional services the home inspector is offering. Check the Internet for home inspectors and ask family and friends if they have any particular home inspector that they consider reliable and trustworthy. It can't be repeated enough that buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make, and a home inspector is a key component to making sure that the home you have in mind is worthy of the price you are offering to pay.