Property Inspection

The difference between home inspections and property inspections is simple. Home inspections are done while purchasing a home, and property inspections are done when foreclosing the home (3). Alternatively if a mortgage is defaulted on that will also necessitate a property inspection. In short, when you're moving into a place it requires a home inspection, when someone's moving out of a place they need property inspection. Also similar is the cost, with an average typically being $310. For the most part, inspection generally covers the following:

• 

  Attic

• 

  Basement

• 

  Exterior

• 

  Garage

• 

  Heating

• 

  Interior

• 

  Structural

What is an Inspector Looking For?

There are a number of different home aspects that are included in a home inspection. Aside from the aforementioned physical locations of the property, there are also a number of tests that can be done for various other purposes (4). When your property is being inspected, the following testing may occur (5):

• • Condo common area inspections
• • Lead paint testing
• • Fungi
• • Allergens
• • Rehab inspections
• • Progress tests
• • Radon testing
• • Water testing
• • Seller consultation
• • Mold & mildew

Checklist

For a total and comprehensive checklist of what inspectors are looking for, try this resource (6). Amongst the usual rooms and tests, it also includes specifics as to what inspection services are looking for. It's very detailed about what each room should and should not have, both visually and legally. It also covers which features of a home have to be operable and safe to use.

Standards of Practice

The National Association of Home Inspectors Inc. has released a code of ethics for their contractors that clearly state the intentions of the organization and how they expect their affiliates to behave (7). Here you can find various resources on what to be aware of when it comes to your property value and what's expected thereof.

What's Not Included

Another noteworthy piece of information is what is not included in a home inspection. This usually tends to revolve around specific luxuries around the house that not all homeowners have access to. Amongst others, what is not included in an inspection can be the following (8):

• • Sprinklers
• • Alarm systems
• • Camera systems
• • Landlines
• • Televisions
• • Swimming pools
• • Jacuzzis
• • Spas
• • Other buildings
• • Cosmetic choices

When to Contact

You should contact a home inspection as soon as the contract or purchase agreement has been signed (9). Before signing, inquire as to whether or not there is an inspection clause in the S and P (sale and purchase). The Sale and Purchase Agreement will have all the necessary information available to you, although it may be hidden in lawyer speak (10). A lawyer will be present during signing so it may prove pertinent to ask them about any clauses.

References

1. "Home Inspection". Wikipedia. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
2. "Accurate Home Inspection". Accurate home inspection. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
3. "What's the difference between a home inspection and a property inspection?". NOLO. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
4. "Jackson Home Inspection, Inc.". Jackson Home Inspection, Inc. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
5. "Home Inspectors Facts for Consumers Sheet". Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
6. "Total Home Inspection Checklist". Total Home Inspection. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
7. "Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics". NAHI. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
8. "The Scope of a Home Inspection". Carson Dunlop. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
9. "When do I call a home inspector?". ASHI. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
10. "Sales And Purchase Agreement - SPA". Investopedia. Retrieved 22 August 2017.