FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Home Inspection FAQ:
The below home inspection FAQ covers common questions about the home inspection process, what it entails, and how to interpret the findings. It helps buyers and sellers understand the scope of the inspection, potential issues, and how to address them.
Key questions revolve around what is inspected, the inspector's qualifications, the cost, and the report's implications.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual examination of the home's major structure, systems and components that are visible and safely accessible.
The inspector should adhere to a standards of practice that outlines what will be covered during the inspection, as well as what is excluded. Crown Home Inspections follows both the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board (NCHILB)’s Standards of Practice.
A home inspection is a crucial part of the home buying process, providing buyers with valuable information about the property's condition before finalizing the purchase.
What is included in a home inspection?
A home inspection covers all major systems and components of a home. Below is a comprehensive list of all that is inspected in a home inspection:
1. The Roof: Inspectors look for signs of age, damage, areas vulnerable to water intrusion, etc.
2. The Exterior: Inspectors check the condition of the wall cladding, areas vulnerable to water intrusion, drainage issues, deterioration of building components, etc.
3. Basement, Foundation, Crawl Space & Structure: Inspectors check the structural integrity of the building, water intrusion, proper construction practices, etc.
4. The Heating System: Inspectors check to ensure the heating system works as intended, and is operating safely. The flue pipes and gas lines are checked if it is a furnace. Temperature readings are recorded in various areas of the property if the exterior temperature permits.
5. The Cooling System: Inspectors check to ensure the cooling system works as intended, and is properly routing condensate away from the building. The condition of the line set is checked, and temperature readings are recorded in various areas of the property if the exterior temperature permits.
6. The Plumbing System: Inspectors identify the plumbing materials, check for leaks in all areas that are accessible, note any corroded components, inspect the water heater, the drain / waste / vent system, the gas distribution system (if present), etc.
7. The Electrical System: Inspectors identify the wiring materials, check the service entrance, grounding system, panel overcurrent protection devices & wiring, protection of wiring, etc.
8. Any Fireplaces, Stoves, Chimneys, Etc.: Inspectors check the exterior condition of the chimney chase, the interior condition of the firebox, the function of gas / electric fireplaces, etc.
9. The Attic, Insulation & Ventilation: Inspectors check the roof structure, insulation in unconditioned areas (attic, basement, crawl space), proper ventilation in unconditioned areas (attic, basement, crawl space), etc.
10. Doors, Windows, & The Interior: Inspectors check for proper function of doors and windows, fire and CO detectors, proper / safe function of all kitchen and laundry appliances, proper wiring of receptacles, the condition of floors & walls, the condition of attached garages and the garage door, etc.
The Report: All inspections are accompanied with a detailed written report with images and narratives of the findings. It also provides a wealth of information on the condition of the home at the time of the inspection, advice on how best to maintain the home, and information on the location of key utility disconnects and cutoff valves.
What is included in the home inspection?
The below home inspection FAQ covers common questions about the home inspection process, what it entails, and how to interpret the findings. It helps buyers and sellers understand the scope of the inspection, potential issues, and how to address them.
The inspector should provide you with a written report, which may include photos and/or recommendations, of his or her findings of the inspection.
What is included in the home inspection?
The below home inspection FAQ covers common questions about the home inspection process, what it entails, and how to interpret the findings. It helps buyers and sellers understand the scope of the inspection, potential issues, and how to address them.
The inspector should provide you with a written report, which may include photos and/or recommendations, of his or her findings of the inspection.
What is not included in a home inspection?
A home inspection has limitations. Below is a list of things that are not included:
1. Code: Home inspections are not code inspections. Inspectors do not verify compliance with local building code. Home inspection criteria is based on several national and international standards. Local building code is typically modeled after these standards, but this is not always the case.
2. Appraisal: A home inspection is not an appraisal. It does not attempt to determine the value of the property, nor does it determine the value of any necessary repairs.
3. Repairs: Home inspectors are prohibited from performing repair work on the items listed in the inspection report. Inspectors are held to a high standard with regard to impartiality. An offer to repair inspection findings would be considered a conflict of interest, which is a violation of the Licensure Code of Ethics.
4. Knowledge of Manufacturer’s Instructions: Determining whether a system or component is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions is beyond the scope of a home inspection. A home inspection is conducted based on a set of national and international standards. These standards are typically used by manufacturers in the development of systems, and formation of the corresponding installation instructions; but this is not always the case. A manufacturer's recommendation and/or instruction supersedes any national or international standard. Inspectors do not have foreknowledge of these instructions.
5. Cosmetic Issues: Home inspections focus on function and safety. Unless the home is brand new, cosmetic issues are normal and not considered a defect. For example, scratches on wood flooring and minor wall dings are not mentioned in a home inspection report.
6. Concealed Areas: Home inspections are visual in nature. Inspectors are unable to evaluate the condition of building components that are concealed behind walls or located in inaccessible areas.
7. Irrigation & Sprinkler System: Lawn irrigation and interior sprinkler systems (if present) are not part of a standard home inspection.
8. Private Well & Septic System: Inspection of a private well and septic system is available as an added service. These services are not included in a standard home inspection.
9. Low-Voltage Wiring: Low-voltage wiring, such as a phone line, coax cable, internet cable, alarm system, or doorbell is not part of a home inspection.
10. Roof Accessories: Roof accessories, such as antennas, solar panels, etc. are not part of a standard home inspection.