What can I expect from a professional home inspection?

The job of a professional inspector is to look over every major part of a home, and write a report that judges the homes' quality and condition.

A well-qualified building inspector who has adhered to federal licensing standards can spot problems that you might not be able to see or get to. However, it's wise for you to accompany the inspector so that you don't have to get the report secondhand.

Expect problems to be clearly explained, repair expenses closely calculated, maintenance costs estimated, and a written report delivered within a day or two. Remember you are buying a resale home; the price reflects the fact that nothing is new.

The territory covered by inspection includes:

Exterior:
The foundation (for holes, creaks), the gutters and down spouts (for gaps in joints, sagging), paint (for peeling, blistering), windows and doors (for cracks, loose caulking), roof (for worn or bald spots), chimney (for tilting, loose bricks or stones), driveways, retaining walls and walks (for holes, sagging, cracks), grounds (for proper grading and healthy landscaping).

Interior:
General structure (for soundness, rot) floors and stairs (for squeaking, shaking, bowing), plumbing system (for condition of pipes and fixtures, leaks clogging), heating/cooling systems (for condition and capacity), electrical system (for age, condition adequacy of voltage and outlets, proper grounding, signs of wear), insulation in walls, attic, and basement (for thickness and efficiency), walls (for cracks loose plaster, signs of leakage), kitchen (age and condition of appliances and plumbing).

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