Standard Home Inspection:
What Included and Not?
Hiring the best home inspection company is critical during the home buying process. A detailed home inspection report will provide important insights into a home's current condition. Furthermore, if an issue is discovered, a home inspection report can help you negotiate the purchase price. However, it is important to point out that unless, additional inspection services are requested, a home inspector will not look at all aspects of a home. Here's a quick guide to what a standard home inspection does not include.
What's Not Included In A Standard Home Inspection?
Wood Destroying Organisms And Pests
Unless a pest problem has caused obvious and clear damage to a home, a home inspector will not specifically look for them. They won't be on the lookout for damage that has occurred behind walls. Likewise, they often won't point out opportunities for potential damage. They will only report on damage they can see. If you suspect a potential home has a pest problem, contact a pest control company for a separate inspection.
Grounds And Landscaping
A home inspector's job is only to inspect the home and it's structural elements. A standard home inspection will not include the condition of any gardens, lawns or trees. Even if there are obvious areas such as brown spots in a lawn, pests or dead plants, it is not part of a home inspection checklist. It will be up to you as the buyer to point out and address any of these areas with the seller.
Code Violations
Contrary to popular belief, a home inspection company doesn't point out any potential building code violations. They are there to give an overview of the condition of a structure only. They will address any visible safety concerns or danger areas, but they won't address any code violations. That being said, a good home inspector will keep up to date with updated local building codes as part of their continuing education.
Irrigation Systems
Inspections of sprinkler systems are not part of a standard home inspection. Here in Florida, an irrigation system is important for maintaining a nice lawn. However, they are expensive to install and repair. So, if they don't work, an inspector won't point it out. If you have concerns about the condition of the sprinkler system at a home, Solid Rock Inspections Group offers a separate irrigation system inspection service.
Appliances
Major home appliances such as refrigerators and microwaves are expensive and while they may appear to be working on the surface, they might be in need of repairs that a standard home inspection won't be able to show. If you want the appliances as part of the purchase of the home, especially any gas stoves, you should have them tested separately by a reputable appliance repair service.
Plumbing
Actually, plumbing inspections are part of a standard inspection with some limitations. A home inspector will inspect plumbing they can see. This includes testing faucets and inspecting pipes underneath sinks for leaks. Additionally, they will look for evidence of leaks such as stains or rotting particle board.
What they won't inspect are septic tanks, hot tubs, swimming pools or sewer lines unless they are part of a seprate inspection agreement.
Electronics
If a home comes with an intercom system, stereo or security system, they will not be included with any basic home inspection. A home inspector won't address any electronics unless there happens to be any exposed wiring that poses a safety issue. Just like with appliance testing, you will want to work with a electronics repair company to test any electronics that come with the house.
Detached Strtuctures
A home inspector is there to inspect the home only. They won't inspect any structure on the property such as a detached garage, shed, mother in law suite or barn. If you need any of these structures inspected, a home inspection company can do so for an additional cost.
Call Solid Rock Home Inspections Today
Don't ever skip the home inspection. They are vital to the home buying process. Despite what a certified home inspector doesn't look at, a home inspection provides extremely valuable information about any home you are buying. Call Solid Rock Inspections Group at (727) 386-8627 today or contact us on our website here. We look forward to working with you on you next home purchase.