A home inspection is an objective examination of the structure, systems and components of a home - from the foundation to the roof. A home inspection provides you with an independent opinion as to the condition of the property at the time of the inspection. An inspector typically spends between two to three hours evaluating a home, and may recommend further evaluation if problems or symptoms are discovered.
For many people, their home will be the greatest investment they ever make.  The decision to purchase a home is made with many factors in mind:  School systems, proximity to work place, neighborhood, size and style of home etc.  The average person is unable to determine on their own the existence of unknown problems that may exist in the home.  These problems can cost a significant amount of money that the buyer maybe unprepared to spend. A professional home inspector is trained to observe these potential problems and report them so the buyer can make a more educated decision in the purchase of the home.   This type of inspection is your best protection against buying a home needing repairs which you are unable to afford. 

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Some home buyers choose to forgo having their home inspected by a professional inspection service.  They may have a family member or friend who is knowledgeable about homes and construction.  Why pay someone if you can get Uncle Bob to do it?  Too often we have seen an "Uncle Bob" talk someone out of purchasing the home of their dreams simply because they feel they must find something wrong or they have not done their job.  They may be wanting to show how much they know and make mountains out of mole hills.  Conversely, Uncle Bob may have been in the building for years, but because he does not have training as home inspector, he can easily overlook important items; Uncle Bob may not be invited to the next family reunion if he does not identify a costly repair.

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You can go to the yellow pages, they have nothing to gain or loose by whomever you chose.   However, they also have no first hand experience with inspectors to tell you which is the best.  The best looking advertisement and nicest secretary that answers the phone does not always mean the inspector is reputable.

Referrals from professionals can often be helpful.  Your lawyer, mortgage officer or real estate agent can refer you to a company they think does a good job.  Lawyers and mortgage officers have nothing to gain or lose by whoever does the inspection. However, they tend to know home inspectors only by reputation rather than by first-hand experience of watching them perform inspections.  Real estate agents provide most of the referrals to home inspection companies.  They have first-hand knowledge regarding who does a good job and who does not.  If there is a drawback from a Realtors referral, it would be because they do have something at stake.   If the inspector finds a serious problem, it could cause the buyer to back out and the agent could loose the commission.  Therefore, an unscrupulous agent may refer an inspector who will not perform a quality inspection.  Although the potential for this exists, it is the exception rather than the rule.  Good realtors know that much of their future business comes from past customers and referrals, and that they will receive neither if they refer poor inspectors who cause costly problems.

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Weather can also be a factor.   You may book an inspection date and snow may fall, covering the roof of the house.   The inspector can evaluate only what is visible.  It is not his responsibility to report on a roof that cannot be seen.  It is not his responsibility to come back later to check items which were not accessible the day of the inspection.  You have booked a block of time for the inspector to inspect the accessible items during that time only.  Some companies  will make an effort to come back at no extra charge if they are in that general area during the following days. However, this second look may not be possible within the time allotted for your inspection.  A fee may be required for return inspections so that they are completed in a timely manner.

Although cosmetics and minor deficiencies may be discussed and even reported, this is not the purpose of the inspection, and should not be the focus of concern throughout the inspection.

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INTERIOR:
Foundations
Water seepage into basements
Framing
Crawl spaces (when safely accessible)
Electrical
Heating and air conditioning
Plumbing - water, waste and water heating
Visible well equipment
Laundry
Kitchens /Baths
Interior surfaces, doors, walls, ceilings, etc.
Fireplaces
Attic framing, ventilation and insulation

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