The Real Estate Browser Volume 9, Issue 7 | Page 6

6 — Say you saw it in The Real Estate Browser of Lynchburg — Volume 9 Number 7
www.LynchburgRealEstateBrowser.com
Are You Getting the Service You Paid For?
By Drew Howard , President, HomePro, Inc.
I try to stay unbiased and keep
an open mind in writing these
articles. I hope to educate you the
consumer on the process of the home inspection.
Whether a first time home buyer or someone who
moves every couple of years there is always some-
thing you can add to your toolbox of knowledge.
If you are the realtor who is well seasoned in the
business you should have a pretty good grasp of the
home inspection process, inspectors in the area and
their general knowledge of the business.
In the last 6 months I have had an increase in
questions from seasoned agents about inspectors
not getting on roofs, crawling into crawl spaces,
getting into attics, and checking appliances. This is
one of those – “you have to be kidding me?” ques-
tions. I would hope that inspectors would not be
providing sub-standard service to their clients. In
this article I will list the steps that should be per-
formed in the home inspection.
The home inspector should always start the
inspection at the same place upon arrival at every
home. That way there is a set pattern and a routine
that can be documented on each and every home
inspection. I always recommend either perform-
ing a right hand sweep or left hand sweep of the
property. This will keep you from being distracted
and jumping from room to room. I always start
from the top of the house and work my way to the
basement or crawl space. The ASHI standards of
practice sets forth what will be inspected. If the
roof pitch is too steep or greater than 13 ft off the
ground it is the inspector’s decision to determine if
they want to walk the roof. The attic should always
be entered unless there are unsafe or health and
safety items noted. Each room should be inspect-
ed, at least one window in each room operated and
all accessible receptacles tested. The kitchen appli-
ances should be tested unless the inspector detects
any unsafe condition that would warrant him from
turning on the appliance. The bathroom fixtures
should all be tested to determine functional flow,
drainage, and leaks. The HVAC equipment should
be tested to include thermostat, inside and outdoor
unit, and heat source in each room. The electrical
panel cover should be removed and the identifica-
tion of any unsafe wiring noted. The foundation
should be inspected, all components on the exte-
rior to include decks, and detached garages. The
home inspection is to identify and note any prob-
lems or unsafe conditions. A problem is defined
as something that is not working or functioning as
intended. The biggest weasel answer I hear from
inspectors is something is grandfathered-in. If an
item is unsafe or broken call it out and note it in
the report. If you are an expert in the inspection
business and write a report as your professional
opinion don’t change your report over the phone
by just saying it was your opinion and not state-
ment of fact.
Every article I encourage you as the purchaser to
attend your home inspection. If you are not pres-
ent you have no idea what was or was not inspect-
ed. The home is the biggest purchase you will
make. Please make every effort you can to attend
your home inspection.