Common Myths About Home Inspections

  • The home inspector is here to look for problems.

    False. We are here to report on the general condition of the home as of the day of the inspection. Naturally, this the report will include both positive and negative aspects.

  • The home inspector is here to eliminate all the risk in buying a home.

    False. We are here to REDUCE the risk of major, costly repairs, to reduce the risk of DANGEROUS conditions in the home, and to report on the general condition of ESSENTIAL components of the home.

  • The Home inspector is a qualified expert in all fields of construction.

    False. No inspector can be an expert in every aspect of construction. We are generalists, with a broad knowledge of construction methods, systems and their components. Our experience and training helps us to assess serious problems and bring them to the clients attention. The quaulified inspector has been trained in inspection methods and in technical system analysis. Through continuing education he learns to be more proficient,intuitive and thorough. However, in some cases expert evaluation is needed in a particular area. Even the most qualified inspector will not be afraid to inform you when further evaluation by an expert is needed.

  • Having my home inspected means I will not have any repairs or maintenance expenses right away.

    False. The purpose is not to report on the minor imperfection in the home or to warranty that no repairs will be needed. Every home is in a constant state of deterioration and aging. It is not uncommon for something to breakdown between the time of the inspection and the closing. However, major defects should not be overlooked.

    Undiscoverable defects are sometimes present and the inspector does not have a crystal ball or x-ray vision. An earnest effort is made to discover every possible defect that would significantly affect the value or safety of the home.

  • If my home inspector finds something in need of repair, it must be fixed before closing.

    False. Negotiations are left to the parties of the purchase agreement or their real estate experts. However, the findings in our report may have a bearing on the value of the property and may be useful in negotiating for repairs to sub-standard components.

  • Every component in a home is inspected.

    False. The inspection is a LIMITED visual inspection. It is not a forensic inspection. We will not be dismantling any major systems in order to inspect. We will remove inspection covers and access panels, as long as it is not destructive to do so. We cannot see within walls or beneath concrete slabs.

    There are literally thousands of components and materials used in constructing a home. In the limited time for an inspection, we can only focus on the most essential and highest risk areas. As a courtesy, we will comment on non-essential components as time permits.