What to Expect from a Home Inspection

With experts anticipating another year of record home sales, buyers and sellers are increasingly utilizing the service of a qualified home inspector. Yet those who retain a home inspector are wise to educate themselves on what to expect... and not expect... from a home inspection.

"A home inspector is a generalist who identifies visible existing conditions," says Linas Dapkus, owner and President of Dapkus Home Inspections Inc. "We are not acting as specialists in all of the different disciplines that go into the construction and maintenance of a home."

At Dapkus Home Inspections we feel consumers should view a home inspector in the same manner they would a doctor or dentist. "Like a general practitioner examining a patient, the home inspector examines the home to assess its condition and health. If a serious problem is discovered, the inspector brings this to the attention of the customer and may recommend a specialist," Dapkus explains. "As in consulting a doctor, the client should look to hire someone with the proper qualifications and demonstrated experience."

What to Know

At Dapkus Home Inspections we feel homebuyers or sellers should be aware of the following when having a home inspected:

• Discuss with the inspector in advance what is included in the inspection and what style of report is produced.
• Bring specific questions or concerns to the inspector's attention prior to the inspection.
• Expect receipt of a written report.
• Expect to receive an accurate overview of the home at the time of the inspection. The home inspector's role is to report the home's condition and to alert the client as to major visible defects, not to predict future conditions.
• Be present at the inspection to ask questions and to view the inspection process, since it can provide a valuable learning experience.

Inspecting the Home

At Dapkus Home Inspections we feel the home inspector should take as much time as is necessary to cover the following areas:

• Exterior - Drainage conditions, exterior surfaces, decks and chimney are examined.
• Roof - Condition of roofing materials and flashing are examined
• Interior - A representative number of windows and doors and the plumbing fixtures are tested and checked for operation. The furnace is examined for correct installation and operation and the air conditioner is tested when possible. Electrical outlets and switches are randomly checked for correct polarity and operation.
• Crawl Space / Attic - This area is examined for structural condition. Insulation, ventilation, Electrical, heating and plumbing systems are inspected if present.

"The role of the home inspection is to bring to light any potentially serious problems covered by the inspection," says Linas Dapkus. "One thing home inspectors find is that there is no such thing as a perfect home."