The Contract - Inspections
Generally, a whole house inspection is intended to disclose any major defect that might materially affect the property, not minor routine maintenance and repair items. The inspection is in no way a guarantee or warranty and does not replace homeowners' warranty insurance.
The following items are areas that the inspector routinely examines:
- Appearance of home from outside: Sidewalk, driveway, brick, wood siding, chimney, foundation, grading around the home, roof, down spouts and gutters, windows and trim.
- Entire house: Random electrical outlets, doors, random windows, walls, floors, ceilings, heat vents, fireplaces.
- Basement: Floor, foundation walls, electrical panel box, subflooring, support beams and support joists, plumbing, heating, water heater, air-conditioning (except in winter months).
- Kitchen and bathrooms: Kitchen appliances such as range, refrigerator, dishwasher, disposal, water pressure, drain pipes, toilets, sinks, cabinets, fans, shower, bath tub.
- Attic: Insulation, roof supports, vents.
- Garage: Walls, floors, garage door, automatic garage door opener, fire safety.
Items generally not inspected:
- Security systems, pools, pool equipment, hot tub, radon, asbestos, lead, indications of wood destroying insects.
The inspector will ask the person paying for the inspection to sign an agreement before proceeding. Payment for the inspection is usually due at the time of inspection.
Most inspectors will prefer that the buyer (if they are paying for the inspection) be present. The real estate agent may be present. A written report will be provided to the person paying for the inspection.
Recommendations from people who have had satisfactory experiences with inspectors in the past is one method of selecting a firm. These suggestions are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a prerequisite to the inspection. (Information obtained from the Cincinnati Area Board of REALTORS®.)