Home Inspection: What Is and Is Not Inspected 

by Greg Cryns

You probably will not be required to hire a home inspector but my 

experience says that doing so can give you some needed peace of mind and it might save you a lot of money in the long run.

Some outside inspections he is likely to perform:

1. defects on the outside of the house - driveways and walkways will be check as they relate to the structure
2.  structural problems
3.  roof - he will report the approximate age and condition - when will you need a new roof?
4.  doors, windows and decks

Indoor Inspections Likely

1. ceilings, doors, walls checked for defets and signs of structural damage
2. water leaks
3. attic for adequate ventilation and insulation
4. basement and crawl space - checking the foundation walls for weaknesses
5. electrical system - any shorts or wiring problems? is everything grounded properly?
6. plumbing - this is check thoroughly - is the water pressure adequate?
7. toilets, fixtures, drains - are they all working as they should be?
8. heating and air conditioning - are they safe and effective? carbon monoxide will be checked for
9. termites - checked throughout the house - IMPORTANT

Some things the inspector may not check

My son and daughter-in-law bought a house a few years ago. they did not hire an inspector. Unfortunately, there was a serious plumbing problem that turned up after the initial warranty expired. They had to pay a lot of money to fix it.

I once bought a farmhouse that had a cellar. Frankly, I'd never lived with a true cellar before and it looked rather mysterious to me. The inspector did his job down there and came back with a clean bill of health for the cellar. This made me feel much more confident about the purchase.

Home inspectors are not federally regulated. Get referrals from your realtor or a friend to find a good inspector. An inspector may belong to professional associations and that is good but this alone does not guarantee you will get your money's worth. Use this link to help you locate an inspector near your home:
http://www.americanhomeinspectordirectory.com/state_search.php 

The inspector will check the heating and cooling systems but he may not give you advice as to the operation of these necessary items.

If an item is not readily accessible the home inspector will probably pass on it. This may include underground pipes, wells and septic tanks.

Household appliances: some inspectors will report on them, others may not. If an appliance or any other item is not permanently installed he probably will not write a report on them. The sturdiness of cabinet will usually be skipped.

An inspector is not likely to check a pool or hot tub. The sturdiness and fastening of countertops and cabinets also may not be included in the inspection.

You are ultimately responsible for the house when you sign the dotted line. Find and employ a home inspector but be sure to do a thorough inspection of the house on your own. You never know. You may see something the inspector missed.

Greg Cryns is the owner of Flat Fee Real Estate Guide - http://www.flatfeerealestateguide.com