Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. When you’re looking to purchase real estate in Troy, Michigan, it’s crucial to have the property thoroughly inspected before closing on it. Hiring a professional home inspector gives you an objective set of eyes to assess the condition of the house and make sure there are no major defects or safety issues.
Knowing what to expect when working with a home inspector can help you get the most out of the inspection process. Below is an overview of common inspection protocols, the home systems they examine, what the inspection report entails, and the benefits of doing your due diligence by scheduling this important evaluation.
The Home Inspection Process
A standard home inspection is very thorough, with the home inspector in Troy MI looking over the entire interior and exterior of the residence. They will check operational functions, examine the structure, and look for visual defects. Inspections typically take around 3 hours for a single inspector to complete on a standard single family home.
Here are some key things you can expect during the home inspection process:
- Walk-through – The inspection starts with an introduction and general walk-through of the home. This gives the inspector a chance to ask about any known issues and get oriented before conducting their detailed investigation.
- Visual examination – The inspector will look at all accessible systems, structures, and components. This includes the roof, attic, exterior, basement/crawlspace, electrical, plumbing, insulation, ventilation, doors, windows, walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Operation of systems – The home inspector will turn on and test items like the HVAC system, water heating, appliance functionality, plumbing and gas fittings, electrical wiring, smoke detectors, and more.
- Scope of inspection – While thorough, home inspections are limited to visual examination and operation of normal household systems. Most inspectors do not remove panels, dismantle equipment, move furnishings/storage, or inspect areas that are inaccessible.
- Questions and concerns – As they inspect, the home inspector will point out any issues and address your questions or concerns about the property’s condition as you walk along with them.
- Review of findings – Once the inspection is complete, the home inspector will take time to give you a summary of their findings, highlight any recommended repairs, and answer any other questions you still have.
What Home Inspectors Check
Home inspectors examine all the physical systems and structures of the home to give a complete evaluation. Here is an overview of the main items included in a home inspection:
- Roof – Roofing materials, flashings, gutters, visible attic structure, ventilation.
- Exterior – Siding, windows, doors, decks, patios, eaves, drainage, grading.
- Foundation – Basement/crawlspace structure, moisture issues, visible cracks.
- Structural – Ceilings, walls, floors, joints, support posts, headers, subflooring.
- Electrical – Service panel, wiring, outlets, switches, fixtures, amperage capacity.
- Plumbing – Pipes, supply lines, draining, water pressure, water heating, fixtures, gas lines.
- HVAC – Unit functionality, thermostats, refrigerant lines, vents, flues.
- Appliances – Built-in stoves/ovens, exhaust fans, dishwashers, disposal, etc.
- Ventilation – Kitchens, bathrooms, dryer hookups.
- Fireplace/Wood Stove – Masonry, venting, chimney.
- Garage – Structure, mechanics of doors and openers.
- Pests/Rot – Any evidence of wood damage, termites, carpenter ants or pest conducive conditions.
- Radon – Testing for elevated radon gas levels.
While not technically exhaustive in scope, a home inspection covers all the key systems and components buyers should be aware of. Items like pools, hot tubs, security systems, and lawn irrigation are often excluded or require separate inspections.
The Importance of the Home Inspection Report
Once the on-site inspection is finished, the main deliverable you get as a buyer is the written home inspection report. This will contain a wealth of valuable information that’s imperative for you to review.
A typical inspection report includes:
- Summary of all systems/components examined with general condition noted
- An outline of any defects, safety hazards, or concerns observed
- Recommended repairs, maintenance items, or upgrades for your awareness
- Detailed descriptions and photos of any problems discovered
- Summary of the home’s overall condition and any need for immediate repairs
The report from your home inspector gives you an impartial, professional inventory of the property so you can make an informed buying decision. It also provides a baseline assessment you can refer back to once you own the home.
Carefully reading this report and reviewing it with your real estate agent and home inspector is an essential step. While home inspections don’t guarantee a perfect home, they give you objective insights you’d otherwise lack.
Key Benefits of Working with a Professional Home Inspector
Hiring your own home inspector is in your best interest as the buyer. While a seller’s disclosure and agent opinions offer some insights, a home inspection delivers significant other benefits:
An unbiased, expert evaluation
The home inspector only works for you. They have no stake in making a sale or swaying you emotionally. Their job is to objectively assess the home’s condition. They also have the experience, tools, and skills to detect issues you’d likely miss on your own.
Documentation of the home’s condition
Thorough home inspection reports create a record of the home’s condition at the time of sale. This information protects you from discovering unpleasant surprises when issues arise later on.
Insights for making an offer
Based on the inspection findings, you can make a more informed offer, request repairs from the seller, or cancel the transaction if serious undisclosed problems are revealed.
Peace of mind about your investment
Knowing the home’s defects and needs ahead of time lets you plan upgrades and avoid unexpected hassles. This makes it easier to relax and enjoy your new investment.
Understanding of home maintenance
Your home inspector educates you on the home systems and how to properly maintain them. Preventative maintenance keeps minor issues from becoming major headaches.
Finding the Best Home Inspector for You
Not all home inspectors are created equal. You want to find one with extensive experience, proper licensing, and a strong reputation. Here are some tips:
- Ask your real estate agent for inspector recommendations, but also do your own research.
- Verify professional memberships like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or state associations. This indicates ongoing education and accountability.
- Look for inspectors with Certified Master Inspector designations.
- Choose an inspector with 5+ years of experience and 200+ inspections completed.
- Look for consistently positive inspector reviews and testimonials from past clients.
- Ask about their inspection process, reporting timelines, licensing, and certifications.
- Compare multiple quotes – costs vary, but very low fees could signal cut corners.
Taking time to select the right home inspector gives you a trustworthy professional equipped to provide maximum value and peace of mind.
Home Inspections Help Avoid Nasty Surprises
Buying a home is a milestone purchase, so you want to proceed with eyes wide open about the condition of the property. Many unwelcome surprises can be avoided by working with professional, certified home inspectors like the ones available in the Troy area. They offer an objective analysis so you don’t have to take the seller’s word when making buying decisions.
Knowing what to expect from a home inspector, asking lots of questions, and doing your homework to hire the best inspector helps ensure you wind up with a home that meets your needs. Don’t skip this important step before purchasing a residence. The insights gained make the inspection process extremely worthwhile for all Troy, MI homebuyers.
