INSPECTIONS

There are many different types of Home Inspections and vary depending on the purpose of the inspection. Some of the types of Inspections are:

• Pre-purchase Home Inspection
• Commercial Inspection
• Environmental Inspection
• Litigation Support
• Insurance Inspection

Pre-purchase Home Inspections are commonly done during the due diligence phase of a purchase contract. Even though a home may be sold as is, it is still in the buyer's best interest to have an understanding of what problems may exist. They can then make a decision as to whether proceed forward with the contract.

What is a Home Inspection?

A Home Inspection is a snapshot of a house on the day of the inspection. It is a non-invasive, visual evaluation of the property's basic structure, the structure's foundation or basement, interior, exterior, roof, electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling systems. The purpose of an inspection is to detect major visible problems or defects and unsafe conditions.

A Home Inspection may be used to provide information for various purposes. There are pre-purchase inspections, new home construction and one-year walk-through inspections, pre-listing inspections and inspections for the purpose of litigation in construction defect cases.

Most often, a home inspection is used to assist a client in making a more informed purchasing decision. The inspector may also educate the buyer as to typical life expectancies, items to budget for replacement as well as how to take care of and maintain the property.

What to look for in a Home Inspector

The buyer may choose any Home Inspector to perform the inspection. Your Realtor is one source for finding a home inspector. You can also look in the Yellow Pages. Several Home Inspectors are members of the Laguna Board of Realtors and their information may be found in the Service Provider area of the website. In selecting a home inspector the buyer may want to ask some of the following questions:

• Is the inspector a member of a trade association such as ASHI, NAHI, NACHI, CREIA or TREC?
• What other credentials do they have?
• Does the inspector conform to state and local requirements?
• How long has the inspector been doing this?
• Does the inspector have any formal training?
• Is the inspector familiar with the local area?
• How long will the inspector take?
• As the client may I accompany the inspector? Will the inspector explain any items of concerned?
• What is the cost?
• What type of report will the client receive?

Preparing a House for a Home Inspection

There are many things a home owner can do to prepare their home for sale and subsequently a home inspection. Listed below are some of the things that should be done:

• Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding
• Remove grade from contact with foundation vents
• Clean gutters and debris from roof
• Divert water away from house
• Trim trees and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding and chimney
• Paint all weathered exterior wood, and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows and doors
• Seal asphalt driveways if cracking
• Test all smoke detectors, install new ones if needed
• Clean and service chimney
• Put all plumbing and fixtures in working order
• Install GFCI receptacles where required (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.)
• Check caulk in bathrooms and re-caulk if necessary
• Make sure all utilities are turned on so that all appliances can be tested