If you are buying a home you should become educated on the process of choosing a home inspector and what exactly it is that they do.

It is the job of the home inspector to not only evaluate the condition of the house’s major systems and structural integrity, but also to evaluate how these systems are working together and identify areas that need to be watched, repaired or replaced. The inspection is designed to identify major defects that may affect the buyers offer to purchase. Cosmetic items (ex. old paint) are considered normal wear and tear and are generally only noted for informational purposes. Sellers are required to disclose any significant defects known to them; however most people are unaware of existing problems and simply not qualified to identify some important defects.

At a minimum, the inspector should identify and inspect items outlined and identified in paragraphs “D and N” of the Florida FAR, BAR, contracts. Professional organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors or A.S.H.I. have set standards requiring additional items not included in these contracts to be inspected as well. Further, some inspections will include items in addition to the items covered by the contracts or associations. An example would be appliances, ages, and service life expectancy. Our inspections go above and beyond all the minimum requirements.

Roof: proper installation; within its useful life; leak identification

Electrical: proper installation, proper location, adequate amperage, general safety of outlets, and building wiring; Recommendations for upgrades to current standards.

Plumbing: septic (proper maintenance)? Old galvanized piping? Cast iron waste pipes, proper water flow, properly installed water heater; leaking pipes/fixtures/ properly operating fixtures, drains, stoppers.

A/C: proper cooling / heating. proper drainage of condensate, leaking ductwork, properly installed returns/supply (s), emergency pan/drain and or shut off device,

Structure: varying cracks in block, wood destroying organism activity, damaged truss? Foundation settlement/cracking; damaged floor joists?

Interior: water damage, below standard attic insulation, improper attic venting

Proper operation of: appliances, interior/exterior doors, all appliances, garage door and opener settings, lights/fans/central vacuum, etc.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list, but it should give you an idea of the thoroughness you should be looking for.