Question 1

What will cause a home inspection to fail?

Accepted Answer

Home inspections are not pass or fail. Home inspectors report on the visible operating condition of the home's components. If something is worn out or not functional, the inspector will recommend repair or replacement.

The nine major items home inspectors look at are:

• Roofing system
• Plumbing system and fixtures
• HVAC system
• Electrical panels and outlets
• Attic and crawlspaces
• Structural components
• Windows and doors
• Water damage
• Visible mold

Question 2

What does the inspector look for at a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

A home inspector looks at the roof, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, interior, exterior and structure. A home inspection is a visual inspection of the home’s components. Home inspectors report on functionality, deterioration and excessive wear. Home inspectors provide a written report via email of the results. Direct Inspections provides the report the same day as the inspection.

Question 3

How long does a home inspection take?

Accepted Answer

A normal home inspection by Direct Inspections takes 3.0-3.5 hours. This can vary based on many factors including square footage, heavy furnishings and complexity of the home. The way to get the most out of the home inspection is to have the seller prepare the home. This includes crating or removing pets, moving items that block electrical panels, water heaters, etc.

Question 4

Should the seller be present for the home inspection?

Accepted Answer

It is the seller's home so this is their choice. However, a buyer will feel more comfortable if the seller is not home. This will allow them to feel "at home" rather than being a guest. Also, home sales can fail apart over personality disagreements between the buyer and seller. In some cases, sellers will want to guard their home out of fear of damage or theft - this is a reasonable concern. Home inspections are a professional process. Inspectors and Realtors are professionally licensed.

Question 5

Who gets a copy of the home inspection?

Accepted Answer

Primarily the buyer. Secondly, anyone the buyer would like to share it with. The buyer can choose to be the sole recipient of the inspection report. Commonly they will share it with their Realtor if trust has been established. The sellers only get a copy of the report if the buyers want to share it. Buyers will often submit parts of the report or the summary when requesting repairs.

Question 6

Who should attend the home inspection?

Accepted Answer

The most important party at the inspection is the buyers, who should attend if possible. They stand to gain the most from being there. Secondly, the buyer's Realtor should attend. The seller's Realtor is also often present to protect the seller's home. However, the seller's Realtor can play against the home inspector unintentionally. Lastly, the seller may prefer to be present. However, it is nearly always best if they vacate the home to allow the buyer to feel free to ask questions of the inspector without feeling rude or watched.

Question 7

Is it better for the buyer or seller to make repairs?

Accepted Answer

Generally it is better for the buyer to make repairs. The reason is, the seller will usually make a simpler and cheaper repairs because they are going to be leaving the home. A buyer will choose the right repair for their future home. One of the worst cases of a seller's repair we have seen was when we found the roof to be past it's lifespan. The seller quickly put on a new roof for the buyers which was the poorest roof installation we had seen to date.

SRQ Quiz – Are You A Local Pro?

MAP OF OUR RECENT HOME INSPECTIONS