A home inspection is one of the crucial steps in the successful purchase of a home. It can feel
like an unnecessary expenditure and costs are high throughout the homebuying process,
intensifying the desire for cost cutting. However, a home inspection can serve many valuable
purposes that will save you money, time, and provide a little peace of mind.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual check of the interior and exterior of a real estate property on the
market for sale.

This check includes a review and report of the general condition of the property, heating and cooling systems, wiring, plumbing, piping, and acceptable fire and safety regulations. Generally speaking, the home inspection identifies any issues with the home that may affect the value or functionality of the property.

What to expect from a home inspection

A licensed home inspector will provide a report on the general condition of the interior and exterior of a property. This assessment can start at around $300 – $500 but the two components that will ultimately determine the cost of your home inspection are: the age of your home and the square footage of your home. Generally the home inspection will take 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the property and the range of issues discovered.

Exterior Inspection

A home inspector will perform an exterior review of the home. This includes the foundation and
grading of the property, walls, and roofing of the home.

Foundation and Grading

During an inspection of the foundation, an inspector will look for evidence of settling or cracking within the walls/foundation. This can indicate that there is evidence of foundational issues and the need for further evaluation by a foundation expert.

The grading of the home will also be examined to ensure that it slopes away from the property as it should. This prevents potential water damage in the event of heavy rains or floods, thus protecting the property itself and the foundation that it is built on.

Roofing

A home inspector will assess the performance of the roof. This includes any general roof damage, poor installation issues, or missing shingles that would allow for water penetration.

Interior Inspection

The home inspection will also include a report of the interior of the home. This includes an examination of the plumbing, electrical wiring, air conditioning/HVAC systems, water systems, and general fire and safety. In some instances, there may be areas of a home that a home inspector cannot reach or see due to personal items left in the home during the inspection. The decision for a home inspector to move items is on a case-by-case basis.

General Fire and Safety

The fire and safety inspection of the property is one of the most important parts of the home
inspection. This will identify any failings of the fire safety code, that additions to the home are
not hazards to the occupants, and that the home is generally safe to live in.

Water Systems and Plumbing

The home inspector will examine any visible piping or plumbing within the property and assess the age and condition of the water heater.

Air Conditioning/HVAC Systems

Similar to the assessment on the water systems, a home inspector will observe the condition of
any visible components of the air conditioning unit.

Electrical Wiring

An inspector will test the condition of the outlets, identify any kind of visible wiring used throughout the property, and that all ground fault circuit interrupters are functioning properly (this can protect you from electrocution).

Why is a home inspection important?

As you can see, a home inspection provides a wealth of knowledge about the property you are about to purchase. A skilled inspector can assess the current condition of the home based on their findings, giving you a greater sense of security during the buying process.

Choosing to go with a professional home inspection can repay itself many times over if significant issues are found. Even if issues are not found, you can rest easy knowing your purchase is a smart one. The value of a home inspection can not be overstated and for the minimal cost, it should be a must on your property buying checklist.

If you are interested in buying a property and are looking for a quote? CLICK HERE, feel free to
reach out to us at Mammoth Home Inspections and we would be happy to lend a helping hand!