Home Inspections for Buyers

Home Inspections are an important part of the home buying process. Buying a home is a big step and a buyer’s home inspection can reduce the risk of making a poor or costly decision. We will walk you through a fair and thorough inspection that identifies defects and potential problem areas. Our goal is to explain to you how your home works using building science principles. The more you know about your home the more comfortable, healthy and sustainable it becomes.

What are Home Inspections for Buyers?

A home inspection is a thorough visual overview of the structure and systems of a home with the purpose to discover any issues with the home that are not performing correctly, are unsafe or may be problematic in the near future. Your inspector will provide a written report which details any problems, the severity of the problem and recommendations for dealing with them. The inspector may recommend further evaluation. Before you close, you then have to consider whether or not the repairs are to be made now and who will be responsible for the cost of making them.

Why do I need a home inspection?

When buying a home the buyer has an opportunity to inspect the home prior to closing. Unlike an appraisal the buyer can choose their own inspector. This choice is a critical one. A good inspection should neither be in favor of nor against a home purchase but an unbiased review of function and safety. Our inspection reports are both thorough and fair. The information contained in them helps you make an informed decision on how to proceed with your purchase.

What does a home inspection include?

Our inspections review Site, Enclosure and Active Mechanisms (Site: Components outside the building, Enclosure: The building itself, Active Mechanisms: HVAC (Heating/Ventilation and Air Conditioning), Electric, Plumbing and Appliances),
Occupant health, comfort, and efficiency are part of every inspection.

Why can’t a friend or family member do the inspection?

DIY inspectors rarely possess the comprehensive skills required for a quality inspection, even if they are in the construction business. Inspections require, by their nature, a broad understanding of building methods and materials, different ages and types of buildings and building science.

A home inspection is not:

A home inspection is not a code inspection, and will not verify local building code compliance. Code authority resides with the local city or county, not private inspectors. Dan and Taylor are code certified and may cite from applicable code and building standards as part of their reports. They do not advise whether you should purchase a home.
Inspectors report function and safety conditions. They report the as-built; the home’s actual condition on the day of the inspection.
Inspections are a visual, non-destructive review and are necessarily broad in scope.
Inspectors don’t provide cost estimates or assess property value: those tasks are for contractors and appraisers
Think of a home inspection as a snapshot: a picture of usability, age and condition and a useful tool for limiting risk and improving durability, health and comfort.

Should I attend the inspection?

Buying a home is one the biggest purchase decisions of your life. We encourage clients to attend if possible. We take the time to explain How Homes Work, an explanation of defects, how to care for your investment and how to care for your family. 

What do I do if problems are discovered?

Review your inspection report and list items that need to be addressed prior to purchase. Depending upon report findings you may need to contact individual or general contractors for in-depth review and pricing. You and/or your agent then negotiate repairs with the seller.