A house inspector is a professional who inspects houses for buyers. The inspector looks for structural problems and other issues. They also check the plumbing, heating and cooling, and electrical systems.

Home inspections typically take two to three hours. You should always ask your real estate agent to recommend a house inspector.

Roof

Home inspectors examine the condition of a building’s roof and look for any signs of leaking or damage. They also check the structural components of the house, including the foundation, walls and floor. They also evaluate heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems.

They also check the condition of stairs and handrails, operating alarms (fire and carbon monoxide) and fire sprinklers. They inspect the grounds for proper drainage and septic tank and check that the gutters are clear.

If they notice any potential safety issues, such as a fireplace that doesn’t vent properly or a chimney with cracks and masonry damage, they may recommend that the buyer hire a specialist for further evaluation. They also note any other conditions that could impact the value of a property or cause problems down the road.

Foundation

A foundation inspection is a critical step in the home buying process. It checks the condition of the foundation to ensure that it can support your new house. It also identifies any existing problems that can cause additional damage.

A house inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the foundation and home to look for damage, settling and cracking. He will also take measurements of the rooms to help him make a drawing and plan for future repairs.

A home inspector will look for obvious signs of damage such as stair-step cracking, diagonal cracks in brick walls and jammed windows. He will also check the grading of the yard to ensure that it is draining properly and keeping the foundation dry. He may also recommend that you install a sump pump to reduce moisture in the basement.

Interior

Home inspectors check a wide variety of things inside the home, from the condition of kitchen appliances to whether or not the dryer vent goes outside. They also look at interior walls, examining for leaning or rotted framing; stained ceilings; inadequate insulation; and windows and doors. They also inspect the roof if accessible, as well as the foundation and basement.

Buyers can use the results of a home inspection as bargaining tools in negotiations with the seller. They can request that the seller pay for repairs they find unacceptable, or they can make their offer “contingent on inspections”. Home inspectors often suggest buyers shadow them during the inspection to learn more about the process and ask questions as they go. This can help them understand the report and how it may affect future maintenance of the home.

Plumbing

Home inspectors examine the plumbing of a house to make sure it is functioning as intended. This includes examining sinks, toilets, water hoses, hot water heaters and other fixtures. They also check that the pipes are not leaking and clogged.

They also look at the drains to see that they are sized correctly and are free of clogs from large food particles or grease. They will inspect the kitchen to make sure there is enough water for cooking and that all sinks are functioning properly.

Plumbing is an essential part of any building. It ensures that drinking water is available and that waste is managed properly. It also ensures that buildings meet specific health and safety requirements. A plumbing system is made up of pipes, fixtures and appliances that deliver drinking water to a building’s occupants and manage waste disposal.

Electrical

The inspector checks wires for visible damage or exposed hot spots and examines the electrical panel and wiring to ensure that it is safe, has adequate space and connections and meets code requirements. He or she will also confirm that outlets near water (like kitchens and bathrooms) are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupter protection.

The inspector will make sure that light switches and outlets are in working order, fuses are in good condition, there are sufficient electrical outlets throughout the house and that heating vents are present. In addition, the inspector looks for sagging walls that could indicate shifting framing; stained ceilings that suggest a problem with plumbing or roof leaks; and insufficient number of heating and cooling vents. The inspector may also check the condition of window frames and trim, as well as insulation.