How to Determine the Reasons for Home Inspection

There are a number of reasons for home inspection including but not limited to an appraisal of the homes value in the event of a loan application. Homes may also be inspected prior to a potential buyer agreeingto purchase the home. A home inspection checklist will be followed by the inspector which will determine if the home passes or fails the inspection. The reasons for a failed home inspection will vary depending on the initial purpose of the inspection and the criteria the inspector was required to follow.

There are four main areas that a home inspection typically covers in order to ensure that the home is solidly constructed and livable.

• Doors and windows The condition, age and whether or not these are original can be determined during the inspection. Any problems with dry rotting on the frames or sills, and problems with caulking and paint will be reported. The seals and whether or not doors and windows function properly will also be reported.
• Walls and ceiling the home inspection checklist will include checking to make sure walls are level, if there are nails showing or drywall seams. Loose plaster, cracks, physical damage, earlier repairs or stains will also be checked for. The inspector will check for signs that the ceiling has cracks or leaks.
• Floors The overall condition and details including water stains or damage around fixtures, cracked ceramics or uneven levels will all be examined. The inspector will look under the house for supports and floorboards that have water damage, and test the floor for soft spots.
• Foundations- the foundation will be checked for cracks, shifting, bowing and bulging along with damage. Efflorescence and water markings will be pointed out in the final report.
• The sewer should also be inspected if the home was built during the 1950s to ensure that the pipes have not collapsed.

Reasons for home inspection are often to help determine any expensive problems before a property is purchased. The buyer and the seller will come to an agreement before the closing of the sale as to how these things are to be handled. Reasons for a failed home inspection will vary depending on the reason for the inspection, if the reason is to get a loan the home could fail due to a lack of adequate heating.

The failure of a home inspection can actually save potential home buyers a lot of money. When the inspection reveals numerous costly repairs it prevents the buyer from making a purchase they cannot afford in the long run. When the house payment is affordable, and for most it is the most they can afford but the repairs are not it would do no good to purchase that particular house.

A home inspection prior to selling can make the seller aware of items that require fixing before they can get the asking price they want out of the home. A home that is going to require a few thousand dollars in repairs is not worth as much as one that needs fewer repairs or no repairs at all. The home inspector has a checklist to ensure that all of the bases are covered and the home is in the condition that it should be in before a loan or transfer of ownership is made.

The reasons for home inspection are not as important as whether or not the home passes the inspection. The cost of the inspection may seem like a lot but it can prevent future problems and save a great deal of money in the long run when it allows you to pass on purchasing a home that you cannot truly afford.