What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive examination of the accessible areas of a house and property. The home inspection is done by a professional home inspector. The inspector uses their expertise and knowledge to gain a perspective of the house that is unbiased and neutral. This can be very beneficial to any homeowner and is especially important in a home buying transaction where the buyer and seller have naturally different opinions and perspectives on the house. The home inspection gives the buyer a clearer idea of the true condition of the home so they can decide if they want to continue with the purchase, negotiate repairs with the seller, and be more knowledgeable homeowners if they do buy the house. While home inspections are not required by law, they are invaluable when it comes to empowering yourself and deciding whether to invest in a property.  

What does a home inspector do?

During the home inspection, the inspector will do a walkthrough of the house. They will walk through each accessible room. If applicable, they will look at the crawlspace, attic, basement, and roof. As a general rule, it takes about an hour for the inspector to inspect every 1,000 square feet of the property, but it may take longer or shorter based on different factors. Agents and the buyer are usually present. Forever Home Inspection inspectors adhere to the InterNachi standards of home inspections. At the end of your inspection, feel free to ask your inspector questions! They can help you understand more of their process and point out issues to you along the way. You’ll receive your official inspection report by the end of the next business day. This report will break down what the home inspector found in detail, often with pictures. You’re always welcomed to follow up about questions or ask for referrals! 

What a home inspector can’t do

Home inspectors are generalists, meaning they know a lot about all the parts of the house but do not specialize in any particular area. So if there is an issue with the HVAC system, a plumbing repair needed, or a question about adding an addition that would require a structural engineer, the home inspector can’t help, but they can include information on the report and recommend to you a preferred vendor and professional.

If there is a weather or safety issue, the home inspector can decline to climb on the roof or elsewhere. The “non-invasive” part of a home inspection is especially crucial to understand. There may be “parts of the home that are permanently hidden by wall, ceiling and floor coverings,” which are automatically excluded from a home inspection, or other others made inaccessible from a “lack of an access point, such as a door or hatch, or a locked access point, or because an occupant’s belongings blocked access, or because of dangerous or unsanitary conditions” (InterNachi). 

What a home inspection doesn’t tell you

Home inspectors aren’t omnipotent or fortune-tellers. They’ll never be able to see every single problem with a house, and their findings can’t necessarily predict what could happen to a house or the progression of an issue. And, after all, the inspection only applies for the day of the inspection. The house could change between the day of the inspection and closing. It’s simply the reality of how complex and ever-changing houses are. Home inspectors won’t be able to anticipate every issue you may encounter and may miss things. We like to think of our home inspectors as superhuman! But there are simply too many things for even the best inspectors to fully see or anticipate.

Why a home inspection is still important

A home inspection isn’t foolproof, but it is still the most empowering thing a buyer can do for themselves. Or a homeowner! The professional knowledge you gain from a home inspection helps you choose more wisely your purchase and investment. Why give that up? Forever Home has a highly-trained and knowledgeable team that our customer loves. We serve in both Oklahoma and Iowa, and our flat-rate, transparent prices can’t be beaten. Let us help you find your forever home.