#1 Home Buyer’s Inspection
As a home buyer, understanding the Home Buyers’ Inspection by Your Home Inspector in San Antonio is crucial. Let’s delve into what it entails and its significance during the home buying journey.
Purpose of Home Buyer Inspection:
A Home Buyer’s Inspection is a critical step in the home buying process. It provides you with valuable insights into the condition of the property you intend to purchase. The inspection primarily involves a visual examination of accessible and visible areas within the home. It does not include destructive testing or disassembly.
Inspector’s Expertise and Standards:
A licensed and professional home inspector conducts the inspection. The inspector follows the Standards of Practice issued by the Texas Real Estate Commission. These standards outline their responsibilities and limitations. If your inspector hasn’t provided you with a copy of these standards, consider requesting one.
Areas Covered During Inspection:
The inspector identifies specific indicators, irregularities, and signs that may indicate current or potential faults. Common areas of focus include:
- Gas leaks
- Moisture penetration
- Mold indications
- Electrical malfunctions
- Structural integrity
- Energy efficiency (insulation and ventilation)
Advanced Tools and Equipment:
During the inspection, the inspector uses tools such as:
- Moisture meters
- Electrical meters
- Gas-leak detectors
- Infrared cameras
- Other specialized equipment as needed
These tools enhance the thoroughness of the inspection.
Extended Inspection Duration:
Unlike some inspectors who allocate only two hours, our inspections often extend beyond four hours. This extended duration ensures a comprehensive assessment of the property. Remember, the primary goal of the inspection is to safeguard your health and safety as a future homeowner. If any potential issues arise, the inspector will document them and may recommend further assessment by certified technicians or engineers.
During the inspection process, our diligent inspector utilizes an array of specialized tools to ensure a thorough assessment. Their purpose is to provide a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond the minimum requirements set by the Texas Real Estate Commission. As a result, your inspection may extend beyond the typical two-hour duration observed by some inspectors. Buyers must also bear in mind and contemplate the following critical points when analyzing their inspection reports:
- Home inspections are not code compliance evaluations.
- Inspection reports are not structural engineering reports.
- Systems and components that are off during the inspection are not tested or reactivated.
- Buyers should consult with and ask questions of owners and their representatives.
- Roofs over 5/12 pitch, and their components, are typically inspected from ground level or edge of roof.
- Reports are confidential and are meant for the exclusive use of the client.
- Inspectors typically will not find each and every defect in a building, hence buyers should anticipate future typical defects and deficiencies.
- Further evaluation by specialists is recommended for any areas showing defects/deficiencies.
- A final walk-through inspection should be carried out the day before passing by the new owners to double check the condition of the building.
Safety and well-being are paramount during the inspection. Our inspector meticulously checks for:
- Are all of the electrical receptacles properly wired for proper polarity?
- Does the attic space and crawl space have sufficient ventilation?
- Is your roof flashed properly?
- Is your roof installed properly?
- Will the GFCI receptacles trip properly?
- Is your water heater properly connected?
- Is your electrical panel properly grounded?
- Is there rotted wood on the exterior of the house?
- Are your drains properly trapped to prevent sewer gases from entering the house?
- Is your fuel burning gas furnace vented properly?
- Are there hidden signs of water intrusion?
Additionally, Your Home Inspector in San Antonio places significant emphasis on energy efficiency. This involves close scrutiny of insulation and ventilation systems. To measure foundation elevations accurately, our inspector employs either a precision pressurized hydrostatic altimeter or a laser level.
We encourage buyers to actively participate in the inspection process, seek clarification on any aspects they find unclear, and engage with our knowledgeable inspector. Your understanding and peace of mind are our top priorities!
