Inspection Process

How a home inspection works

Nearly all of today’s home purchase contracts include a home inspection contingency clause, which is a provision allowing the buyer to hire a professional home inspector to thoroughly evaluate of the house and determine if there are any issues with its structure or systems. Once a purchase contract has been signed, the buyer can book a professional inspector of their choosing, whom they may or may not accompany during the two- to three-hour inspection. A typical home inspection includes a check of a house’s structural and mechanical condition but can also encompass tests for radon gas, detection of wood-destroying insects and other services requested by the buyer. Back in 1976, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) standardized the home inspection process and established Standards of Practice dictating what must be inspected as well as how far the professional home inspector needs to go to report their findings. According to ASHI, the ten critical areas for inspection during the process are the structure, exterior, roofing system, plumbing system, electrical system, heating system, air conditioning system, interior, insulation and ventilation, and fireplaces. Once the home inspection is complete, the inspector creates a report for the home buyer detailing all that was found. This report will note problems requiring immediate attention and conditions that could lead to more serious issues over time.