What is a home inspection?
by Silvio Azzinnari

A home inspection is an invaluable part of the home buying process. It's much better to spend a couple of hundred dollars and have a very good idea of what your buying, than spending up to hundreds of thousands of dollars and then finding out you didn't purchase what you thought you did.

The goal of a home inspection is to identify potential significant expenses that would affect a typical purchaser's buying decision.

These are some components they will inspect and report on:

1. Structural—foundations, floors, walls, ceilings
2. Exterior—doorways, flashings, decks, garage, etc.
3. Roof
4. Plumbing
5. Electrical System
6. Heating
7. Air Conditioning
8. Insulation & Ventilation
9. Interior—steps, balcony, railings, etc.

Once the inspection is complete (usually 3-4 hours) most inspectors will hand you a written report on the findings and address any concerns they may have.

The report given to you, is a professional opinion of the present condition of the property, based on a visual inspection of the accessible parts of the home. It is important to note that the inspectors are not able to rip, tear, or damage any part of the home and therefore there are certain limitations put on the inspector. As mentioned previously, it's a professional opinion not a guarantee. Costs vary, so be sure to check a few inspectors and compare services, but they usually range from $300 to $500. Your realtor may be able to provide the names of a few home inspectors.