Getting a Home Inspection when you buy a home is very wise. Unfortunately, Realtors and Buyers can rely too heavily on the Home Inspection and be surprised after they close and move in. Even if you use a Registered Home Inspector, here are some limitations that you should know about.
Home Inspectors Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: They know that you are buying a very expensive property and they typically have a short time to inspect (about 3 hours). While home inspectors will try to find as many little things as they can, they will typically look for things that will cost you over $500 in the next few years (unless it is a safety issue).
Water Quality, Water Quantity, Water Source, Septic Systems, Air Quality, Asbestos Radon Gas and Mould are not included: In a standard home inspection, special tools are not used. There is no chemical analysis, water sampling or laboratory testing. A home inspector looks for signs of moisture, not mould. Mould would be evidence of moisture. They also can’t comment on the quality of air or test materials to see what they are. They can sometimes identify materials that may contain these potential health hazards but they can’t comment on their presence or their effect on you.
Termites and Pests: Many inspectors can identify termite tubes if they are readily visible but they are not Termite Inspectors. If termite tubes are suspected get a termite investigation first before you hire a home inspector.
Swimming Pools, Chimneys Flues, Wood Burning Fireplaces, Wells and Stoves: Most inspectors will recommend a “further evaluation by a specialist” as they are not part of a home inspection standard of practice although they may point out defects that are obvious to the home inspector.
Many experienced Realtors will know the limitations of their preferred home inspector and will recommend additional due diligence if needed. Just make sure that you have enough time to perform them. I will often do a Home Pre-Screening in order to identify what will be required before a home inspector is called. If you have a home that you want to sell that is over 20 years old or are thinking of buying one, a home inspection may not be enough to protect you. Buying a home with unforeseen problems can lead to high unexpected costs. Be sure to hire the right team of advisers to protect you during your next Real Estate transaction.
Dude, good article, but why aren’t you including your brokerage firm and your proper designation?
Home inspection services insure that your home gets free from any kind of troubles. But still some points are left behind as a result of lack of visibility or any other reason. But sometimes the issues which were left behind may prove to be a serious one and can result into a serious trouble.
I would say that a Home Inspection provides a visual inspection of the present day condition of the home. It can help identify many of the potential expenses a home owner may come up with in the short term. As it is visual, there are limitations but they are extremely useful regardless.