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What are Home Inspections?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. Here at Spiva Property Inspection we also provide our valued customers information on what's good about your home, not just what's bad.
A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. This is carried out by a home inspector, who usually has special equipment and training to carry out such inspections. A home inspection report is then issued by the home inspector. Many home inspectors use home inspection software.

An inspector will check the roof, basement, heating system, water heater, air-conditioning system, structure, plumbing, electrical, and many other aspects of buildings looking for improper building practices, those items that require extensive repairs, items that are general maintenance issues, as well as some fire and safety issues. Home owners or home buyers often use a home inspection service before selling or buying their houses. A home inspector conducts a thorough examination of a home to detect any potential systems or components requiring attention. A home owner receives a detailed report of the condition of his/her home so that he/she can plan for needed repairs and upgrades when it is time to make them.

A home inspector is sometimes confused with a real estate appraiser. A home inspector determines the condition of a structure, whereas an appraiser determines the value of a property.

A home cannot "fail" an inspection, as there is no score or passing grade given. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local building code code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need a major or minor repair or replacement.

Why do I need a home inspection?
Home inspections can be an important aspect of a real estate transaction for both the buyers and sellers. In today’s buyer’s market the old saying “location, location, location” has now changed to “condition, condition, condition.”

Even today, people will spend $200 to have a mechanic look at a used car for defects and to ensure that it is running in proper condition. The mechanic will look at the electrical, mechanical, and physical condition of the car and provide a written statement of their findings to the potential car buyer. This is done on a car that might only cost $2500-$10,000. When you're dealing with what might possibly be the biggest investment of your life, it is just as important to have your home inspected by a qualified individual or team of individuals before you purchase your home for what could be $100,000 or more. This is a no brainer!

Buyers: A buyer needs a home inspection to find out all the problems possible with the home before moving in and to ensure extra peace of mind in their investment. Many mortgage loans will require an appraisal of the property, but an appraisal is not a home inspection. Emotion or attachment to the property can cloud a buyer’s better judgment of the condition of the property they want to purchase. Lew Sichelman article in Realty Times "Should Home Inspections be Mandatory", addresses this issue “The inability to cover the high cost of repairing unforeseen or unknown problems is a major reason buyers default on their mortgages.” The buyer should also be present at the time of inspection so that the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions the buyer may have.

Sellers: In most states sellers are required to fill out a property disclosure for their home prior to listing it on the market. A home inspection will enable the sellers to honestly fill out the disclosure. According to Kenneth Austin’s article “Pre-Inspection Peace of Mind” in Realtor Magazine, “With a home pre-inspection, sellers have the opportunity to address any defects an inspector might find and have them repaired before a possible buyer even sees the house. That gives the seller and sales associate peace of mind that the property they’re listing has no surprises awaiting them in the contract or appraisal.” He further explains that a pre-inspection can “Eliminate last-minute price negotiating and the possibility that buyers might develop cold feet regarding a sale once their buyer inspection uncovers a needed repair, often bringing into question the whole purchase.”

What should be inspected?
Professional and qualified home inspectors are fully trained in the proper operation of all commonly found home systems which generally include:

Is there anything I can do to prepare for the home inspection?