Home inspection

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia A disaster inspector at workin the United States assessing tornado damage to a house.

A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often inconnection with the sale of that home. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspectorwho has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares anddelivers to the client a written report of findings. The client then uses the knowledge gained to makeinformed decisions about their pending real estate purchase. The home inspector describes thecondition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency,or life expectancy of systems or components.[1]

A home inspector is sometimes confused with a real estate appraiser. A home inspector determinesthe condition of a structure, whereas an appraiser determines the value of a property. In the UnitedStates, although not all states or municipalities regulate home inspectors, there are variousprofessional associations for home inspectors that provide education, training, and networkingopportunities. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house.It is not an inspection to verify compliance with appropriate codes; building inspection is a termoften used for building code compliance inspections in the United States. A similar but morecomplicated inspection of commercial buildings is a property condition assessment. Homeinspections identify problems but building diagnostics identifies solutions to the found problems andtheir predicted outcomes.

Contents1 History2 North America3 United Kingdom4 Home inspection standards and exclusions5Types of inspections5.1 Home buyers inspection5.2 Home sellers inspection5.3 Foreclosureinspection5.4 Four point inspection5.5 Disaster inspection5.6 Section 8 inspection5.7 Pre-deliveryinspection5.8 Eleventh month inspection5.9 Structural inspection5.10 Plumbing inspection5.11Heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) inspection5.12 Thermal imaging Inspection5.13Pool and spa inspection6 See also7 ReferencesHistory

The first known home inspection company, Home Equity Loss Protection Servicesdba/H.E.L.P.S.(Glen Ellyn, IL), was originally founded by Christopher P. Nolan and Loyola Professor,

Mark Goodfriend. Mr . Nolan was initially inspired by Coldwell Banker Realtor, Carole Kellby, a topproducer from Wheaton, IL. He first trained DuPage County Deputy Sheriff, George Wick, asH.E.L.P.S. first official Home Inspector. Years later, the company was officially incorporated in theearly 1980s by Jane Garvey, surviving wife of Professor Mark Goodfriend of Glen Ellyn, IL followingits purchase from Christopher P. Nolan. As founder of the home inspection business andentrepreneur, Mr. Nolan was inspired to create a comprehensive system of home inspections. Hefound because as an investor of distressed real estate (then a nationally recognized real estateexpert and speaker for Lowry Seminars) he realized a need to have skilled professionals inspect keyareas of the home prior to his purchases in order to mitigate the risk of his investments.

North America

In Canada and the United States, a contract to purchase a house may include a contingency that thecontract is not valid until the buyer, through a home inspector or other agents, has had anopportunity to verify the condition of the property. In many states and provinces, home inspectorsare required to be licensed, but in some states the profession is not regulated. Typical requirementsfor obtaining a license are the completion of an approved training course and/or a successfulexamination by the state's licensing board. Several states and provinces also require inspectors toperiodically obtain continuing education credits in order to renew their licenses.

In May 2001, Massachusetts became the first state to recognize the potential conflict of interestwhen real estate agents selling a home also refer or recommend the home inspector to the potentialbuyer. As a result the real estate licensing law in Massachusetts was amended[2] to prohibit listingreal estate agents from directly referring home inspectors. The law also prohibits listing agents fromgiving out a "short" name list of inspectors. The only list that can be given out is the complete list ofall licensed home inspectors in the state.

Ancillary services such as inspections for wood destroying insects, radon testing, septic tankinspections, water quality, mold, (or excessive moisture which may lead to mold), and private wellinspections are sometimes a part of home inspector's services if duly qualified.

In many provinces and states, the practical standards for home inspectors are those enacted byprofessional associations, such as, worldwide, the International Association of Certified HomeInspectors (InterNACHI); in the United States, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), andthe National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI); and, in Canada, the Canadian Association ofHome and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) and the Professional Home & Property Inspectors of Canada(PHPIC).

Currently, more than thirty U.S. states regulate the home inspection industry in some form.

United Kingdom

A home inspector in the United Kingdom (or more precisely in England and Wales), was an inspectorcertified to carry out the Home Condition Reports that, it was originally anticipated would beincluded in the Home Information Pack.

On July 18, 2006, the Government announced the postponement of compulsory Home ConditionReports, which had been due to become part of the Home Information Packs on 1 June 2007, leavingthe future for the inspectors somewhat uncertain.[3]

Home inspectors were required to complete the ABBE Diploma in Home Inspection to show they

meet the standards set out for NVQ/VRQ competence based assessment (Level 4). The governmenthad suggested that between 7,500 and 8,000 qualified and licensed home inspectors would beneeded to meet the annual demand of nearly 2,000,000 home information packs. In the event, manymore than this entered training resulting in a massive over supply of potential inspectors.

With the cancellation of Home Information Packs by the coalition Government in 2010, the role ofHome Inspector became permanently redundant.

Home inspection standards and exclusions

Inspectors will check the roof, basement, heating system, water heater, air-conditioning system,structure, plumbing, electrical, and many other aspects of buildings. They look for improper buildingpractices, those items that require extensive repairs, items that are commercial property inspectionaccounting software general maintenance issues, as well as some fire and safety issues.[4][5][6]However, a home inspection is not technically exhaustive and does not imply that every defect willbe discovered. Some inspection companies offer 90-day limited warranties to protect clients fromunexpected mechanical and structural failures; otherwise, inspectors are not responsible for futurefailures.[7] A general inspection standard for buildings other than residential homes can be found atthe National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers.[8] Home inspector "standards of practice"serve as a minimum level of care required by the various associations mentioned; many inspectorsexceed these standards within their basic inspection or offer additional services such as inspectingpools, sprinkler systems, checking radon levels, and inspecting for wood destroying organisms.

Types of inspectionsHome buyers inspection

Buyers inspections are the most common type of inspection in the United States. The personspurchasing the property hire an inspector to help identify major defects and other problems so theycan make an informed decision about the building's condition and the expense of related repairs.

Home sellers inspection

A homeowner who is selling their house hires an inspector to identify problems with their house. Theseller can elect to share the report with http://propertyproinspection.com/ any potential buyers or tomake any necessary repairs so the house is known to be in good condition encouraging a quick sale.One home inspector's organization offers a program which helps market a house as "Move-InCertified", that is the house is in a condition where the new owners can promptly move in withoutmaking substantial repairs.

Foreclosure inspection

Foreclosure inspections are often referred to as REO (Real Estate Owned) inspections. Professionalhome inspectors are qualified to do these, but there are other inspectors that also do only minimalforeclosure inspections: Certified Field Inspectors and the Certified Property Preservation Specialist.These inspectors may or may not be qualified to do state licensed home inspections.

Four point inspection

Insurance companies sometimes require an inspection of a houses roof and the HVAC, electrical andplumbing systems before providing homeowners insurance. The name four point inspection derivesfrom the four areas of interest.

Disaster inspection

A disaster inspection occurs after a natural disaster such as a hurricane, earthquake or tornado inwhich a large numbers of buildings may have been damaged. In the United States the FederalEmergency Management Agency (FEMA) prepares for and coordinates large scale disaster reliefefforts including the inspection of damaged buildings. Disaster inspectors document conditions ofbuildings for government disaster relief payments.

Section 8 inspection

In the United States the federal and state governments provide housing subsidies to low incomepeople through a program often known as Section 8. The government expects that the housing willbe "fit for habitation" so a Section 8 inspection identifies compliance with HUD's Housing Quality

Standards (HQS).

Pre-delivery inspectionSee also: Pre-delivery inspection

The pre-delivery inspection, which generally applies to newly built homes, is a real estate term thatmeans the buyer has the option (or requirement, depending upon how the real estate contract iswritten) to inspect the property prior to closing or settlement. These inspections generally takeplace up to a week before a closing, and they generally allow buyers the first opportunity to inspecttheir new home. Additionally, the inspection is to ensure that all terms of the contract have beenmet, that the home is substantially completed, and that major items are in working order.

Along with a representative of the builder (generally the construction supervisor or foreman), thebuyers may be accompanied by a home inspector of their choice. Any noted defects are added to apunch list for completion prior to closing. Often a second inspection is conducted to ensure that thedefects have been corrected.

Many local governments within the United States and Canada require that new-home buildersprovide a home warranty for a limited period, and this typically results in home builders conductinga pre-delivery inspection with the buyer.

In a resale situation, this type of inspection is often termed the final walk-through, and, based on thecontract's provisions, it allows the buyer the opportunity to inspect the home prior to closing toensure that agreed-upon repairs or improvements have been completed.

A better inspection for a newly built home is to inspect the home during the stages it is beingconstructed. The typical inspection stages include: foundation pour, structure, pre-drywall,insulation, and final. Important issues such as structural support, duct routing, and plumbing cannot be completely inspected after the drywall or attic insulation is installed.

Eleventh month inspection

In the United States, some states require a builder to warranty a new house for one year. An 11thmonth inspection is an inspection of the new home before the warranty ends to discover any defectsrequiring warranty service.

Structural inspection

Structural inspections report on the foundation and supporting elements of a home. Whenperforming a structure inspection, the home inspector will look for a variety of distress indicationsthat may result in repair or further evaluation recommendations.

In the State of New York, only a Licensed Professional Engineer or a Registered Architect canrender professional opinions as to the sufficiency structural elements of a home or building.[9](Municipal building officials can also make this determination, but they are not performing homeinspections at the time they are rendering this opinion). Municipal officials are also not required tolook out for the best interest of the buyer. Some other states may have similar provisions in theirlicensing laws. Someone who is not a Licensed Professional Engineer or a Registered Architect candescribe the condition of structural elements (cracked framing, sagged beams/roof, severe rot orinsect damage, etc.), but they are not permitted to render a professional opinion as to how the

condition has affected the structural soundness of the building.

Plumbing inspection

During a home inspection, a home inspector will carry out a visual observation and generaloperation of the plumbing system. The inspection will consider readily accessible pipes, fixtures andcomponents, while noting recognized adverse and material defects present at the time of inspection.Minor defects may be also reported. The inspection typically reviews the visible water supply andwaste removal sewage system. Furthermore, a plumbing inspection often involves a closerobservation than just the outside, especially in the case of galvanized pipes, which may not appear tobe have defects superficially.

Water flow performance is judged by running water through the pipes and sewage systems innormal modes and in a representative manner. The water heater is usually inspected for heating ofthe water and safe operation which may include venting (gas/oil/butane models) and thetemperature and pressure relief valve. Water heater types include storage tank and on-demandsystems using a variety of energy sources (typically electric or gas).

Most homes obtain water supply from a city, nearby town, cooperative or private source. Water maybe obtained from a lake, river, reservoir, or well. If the source of water happens to be private or non-approved, the home inspector should recommend the client opt for an expert to evaluate theintegrity of the water supply. Testing private wells for contaminates is important. Ideally theinspection intends to reduce risk for the buyer by reporting observed material defects. A defect maybe a repair, maintenance or improvement consideration with or without a safety association.

Heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) inspection

A heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) home inspection reviews the heating and coolingsystem of a home from a performance perspective. The inspection usually does not inspect orcompare to codes or manufacturer requirements. Heating is provided typically by a forced airfurnace distributed by duct work or a water/steam boiler using radiators or convectors, but spaceheaters, heat pumps and other methods are also in use. The energy source is usually natural gas,fuel oil, or electric, but other sources include butane, wood and Geo-thermal. Cooling can bedescribed as a split system, packaged unit, fan coil, heat pump, an evaporative cooler, orwindow/through-the-wall a/c unit.

A typical inspection will carry out a visual observation and operation of the HVAC system. Theinspection will consider visible and readily accessible components, while noting recognized adverseand material defects present at the time of inspection. The inspection does not usually disassemblethe equipment. The home inspection report may include a description of the system by its keycomponents. Ideally the inspection intends to reduce risk for the buyer by reporting observedmaterial defects. A defect may be a repair, maintenance or improvement consideration with orwithout a safety association. An optional statement on perceived useful remaining life may beprovided.

Thermal imaging Inspection

A thermal imaging inspection using an infrared camera can provide inspectors with information onstructural heat loss, moisture leaks, and overheat conditions on electrical wiring that are notnormally visible to the naked eye.

Pool and spa inspection

Swimming pools and spas are often excluded from a general home inspection because they requirespecial training and take more time to inspect and report.

See alsoList of real estate topicsReal estate appraisalReferences^ "Excerpt from Maryland homeinspection statute". Michie.lexisnexis.com. Retrieved 2012-05-29.^ "General Laws: CHAPTER 112,Section 87YY1/2". Malegislature.gov. Retrieved 2012-05-29.^ "Home-info pack plan in disarray".This is Money. 2006-07-20. Retrieved 2012-05-29.^ "What does a home inspection include?".American Society of Home Inspectors. Retrieved 2012-05-29.^ "What to Expect in a HomeInspection". National Association of Home Inspectors. Retrieved 2012-10-25.^ "Standards ofPractice" (PDF). National Association of Home Inspectors. Retrieved 2012-10-25.^ A general list ofexclusions include but are not limited to: code or zoning violations, permit research, propertymeasurements or surveys, boundaries, easements or right of way, conditions of title, proximity toenvironmental hazards, noise interference, soil or geological conditions, well water systems or waterquality, underground sewer lines, waste disposal systems, buried piping, cisterns, undergroundwater tanks and sprinkler systems. A complete list of standards and procedures for home inspectionscan be found at NAHI, ASHI or InterNACHI or IHINA websites.^ see NABIE^ "Article 145,Professional Engineering and Land Surveying". State of New York Office of the Professions.Retrieved 2013-10-25.Retrieved from"https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Home_inspection&oldid=683120040"