Home Inspections: The Basics

The Home Inspector is hired by the Buyer and reports directly to the Buyer. The Buyer selects the Home Inspector. The Buyer pays the Home Inspector directly. The Inspection Fee is in addition to the closing costs discussed with a lender. That cost is not included as one of the Closing Costs.

A Home Inspector will tell you if the structural systems of the home appear to be functioning within a normal range. Structural systems are the roof, the foundation, the wiring, plumbing and heating/cooling system.

If the Home Inspector thinks that something is NOT functioning within a normal range, a suggestion will be made that an expert be consulted.

Who are the experts? A licensed HVAC person. A licensed electrician or plumber. A structural engineer. It is common for there to be a charge for that expert to come say grace over the house. That fee ranges from $100 to $350.

If an expert says that the system is functioning just fine, then it probably is.

All of these inspections happen during the Option Period. Buyers say that it gets expensive to get the house checked out. I tell them that it is better to have as complete a picture as possible.

Even with all that, not all problems with a structure become apparent prior to closing. These people are all going to give their best advice. But, they can't foresee all future problems.