Home Inspection Process
Every home will receive a thorough inspection that meets or exceeds the Washington State Standards of Practice and the Department of Licensing codes and regulations. www.dol.wa.gov/business/homeinspectors
A general inspection typically takes 2-5 hours to complete depending on the size and condition of the home. The report will be generated after the inspection is complete and returned within 24 hours.
Although it is not required, you are welcome and encouraged to be part of the inspection process in case there are questions along the way.
Relax. Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections. These are nice to know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into five categories:
- Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure.
- Things that lead to major defects. A small roof-flashing leak, for example.
- Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy or insure the home.
- Safety hazards, such as an exposed wires.
- Minor defects that the untrained eye does not always see.
Areas of Inspection
Every part of the house and surrounding grounds will be inspected for safety. Major defects, hazardous conditions and potentially costly repairs will be noted. You will be informed of major leaks, cracks and wear.
Overall Grounds
Overall slope and drainage, driveway, walkways, steps and porches. Retaining walls, foundation footing and vegetation.
Exterior of House
Major components include windows, doors, siding, decks, construction and condition of decks. Areas of water leakage and compromised wood conditions are also noted.
Deck and Balcony Roof
The roof is examined for installation defects, deterioration, signs of leakage. Chimneys, flashing, downspouts and gutters are also checked.
Structural Components
Attics, Crawl Spaces and Basements
Stair and Railings
Interior of House
Inspection of Insulation/Ventilation
Insulation condition as well as composition will be inspected.
Electrical Inspection
Plumbing Inspection
Heating Systems Inspection
Inspection for Wood Destroying Organisms
Pre-listing Home Inspection
Why is a pre-sale home inspection helpful for the sale?
Statistically, a home with a pre-sale inspection sells faster than one that waits until a sale is pending.
Beneficial For The Seller:
- Allows seller to address problems ahead of time without being rushed by time constraints from “fix-it” contingencies
- Encourages a Quick Sell When the house has already been inspected, chances of closing the deal increase
- Often results in a better selling price
- Less likelihood of litigation for improper disclosure
Beneficial For The Buyer:
- Saves money on the inspection
- Saves time when desiring to close the deal
- Provides full disclosure of home’s condition outside of stressful time constraints
Without a doubt, pre-sale is the best time for a home inspection for everyone involved. All too often, a home inspection is performed as a final contingency of a sale with little time to absorb its impact. Any reported deficiencies at this time of high emotional stress can easily be blown out of proportion causing an overreaction and possible termination of the deal. People are far more receptive to such deficiencies when they are disclosed to them up front. Pre-sale inspections also allow the seller to address defects prior to showing the home, thus removing problems ahead of time.