What Is A Home Inspection?
A Brief Introduction
When navigating the world of real estate, sometimes it can feel like a fire hydrant is blowing real estate water in your face. From the start, your agent takes on the brunt of this complicated process; Managing complex legal processes, keeping active relationships with industry professionals, and finding the house are monumental tasks that shouldn’t be left to the inexperienced. When you’ve finally put the offer in on a house, you’re now left with a key question “Is the house what I was expecting”. That’s where a residential home inspection comes in.
What’s Included in a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough evaluation of a property's condition, conducted by a licensed home inspector who evaluates the key components and systems of the home. Although there are minor differences from state to state, I will be simplifying some of the regulations that we operate under in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Exterior Inspection - At the beginning of our inspection, we will assess the general condition of the outside of the home. This includes the grounds, siding, roof, and any additional structures you add on to the inspection (pools, sheds, etc…). We make sure to access all critical areas either by drone, ladder, or visually with binoculars to ensure we maximize our ability to inspect the property. At this point we also will inspect any exterior electrical, HVAC and plumbing components.
Attic Inspection - Whether by crawling or climbing, we’ll get into the attic and assess the inside of the roof for damage, leaks, or any other concerns. At this point in the home inspection we’ll check your HVAC unit(s), water heater, and the general condition of the attic space. We’ll also be able to see your home’s plumbing system, and evaluate the materials and methods used for water and/or fuel distribution, and any drain/waste/vent pipes.
Interior Inspection - At this point in the inspection we will evaluate the interior finishes, garage, functionality of built-in appliances, and complete our assessment of the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. We take 360 photos at the end of each of our inspections for reference to inspected items, and to document your home before closing.
(If Needed) Crawlspace Inspection - At the end of the inspection we recommend adding this additional inspection for pier & beam homes that have a crawlspace. We will crawl underneath the majority of the structure to visually assess the home’s plumbing, subfloor structure, and any other plumbing/electrical/HVAC components that typically go unnoticed.
The Report - Within 5 days of the inspection, your home inspector is required to deliver a written, printed, or online report to their client. Although a state requirement, a quality inspector will deliver this to you same day, or at most within 24 hours. This report will have their contact information, information about the home, and most importantly - any defects found during your inspection. Your agent will use this information to facilitate any repairs during the repair request process after your inspection, and is available to our clients to use as a resource after the inspection.
The goal? To give you a complete understanding of the home’s condition, empowering you to make informed decisions, and to walk through the inspection process with confidence. Almost as important as what is included, be sure to check out our article on what’s not included in a home inspection.
Why Should You Get a Home Inspection?
Peace of Mind: A thorough home inspector can efficiently communicate the general condition of the entire home. This gives our clients the opportunity to make an informed decision by having a home expert to outsource their questions to during the buying or selling process.
Protect Your Investment: Having a thorough inspection of your home gives you the knowledge not only to consider the sale, but to maintain it in the years to come. Having a detailed record of the home’s condition can help you to manage future repairs, and to budget accordingly.
Negotiation Power: If the inspection reveals issues, you can use this information to negotiate repairs or a lower price with the seller. This leverage can help you secure a better deal, ensure that you’re not overpaying for a property, and minimize the chance of any major unforeseen repairs.
Choosing the Right Inspector
Not all home inspectors are created equal. Be sure to choose an inspector that is committed to providing you with a quality service, taking the time to be a resource for your home buying team. Every home inspector has a different style and approach to tackling a home, but be sure to find a thorough, qualified inspector that can devote the time necessary to evaluate your home. At Rock Solid Inspections, we are committed to providing thorough home inspection services to make sure that each of our clients and agents can move forward with confidence - even after move in.
Need to schedule an inspection? You can give us a call directly at (225) 828-5146 or you can view our online scheduler with any questions regarding availability and pricing.
