Your Home Inspection and You

Home inspections aren't just for when you buy an older Northern Virginia or South Carolina home.  Even newly constructed homes can have potential problems that a good home inspector will be able to discover.  You may be surprised, however, to discover what a home inspection covers and what it does not.

A typical home inspection will cover the working condition of the home's heating and electrical systems, central air conditioning, interior plumbing, walls, attic, basement, foundation, floors, ceiling, windows, doors, roof, visible insulation and any structural components of the home.  However, an inspector isn't required to move any personal objects, dirt, debris, snow, etc. to inspect what is behind it.  Legally, they only need to inspect the readily visible parts of the Northern Virginia/South Carolina home.  For example, if there are personal objects piled up in front of a wall, the inspector doesn't have to move the objects to inspect the condition of the wall.  This means that a homeowner could be covering up a potential highly costly problem that wouldn't be included in the official report.

Also, a home inspector is not required to report on potential issues regarding any wood-destroying organisms, hazardous plants or potentially hazardous animals that are kept on the property.  So, even if the inspector sees termite droppings or mold, they are not required to divulge this information in their home inspection report.

Even though these issues aren't things an inspector is legally required to add to their reports, there are multitudes of fantastic, licensed and trained home inspection professionals who provide a complete list of their findings, even if it isn't "required".  It's extremely important to find a home inspector you can trust.  Speak with your friends, family and neighbors to see if they can recommend someone for you.  Also, do your homework on a home inspector before you hire them.  You can visit the for a list of licensed professionals in your area that they recommend.

Please keep in mind that, just because a home inspection reveals that there may be potential problems doesn't mean that the Northern Virginia or South Carolina home you have set your sights on isn't worth purchasing.  Just about all homes for sale have some issues that will need to be addressed to get them into top shape.  Don't be deterred.  A home inspection will help you determine if you are willing to take on the projects involved or may even help you when it comes time to negotiate a deal with the seller.  Make sure to discuss this with