A home inspection is a thorough and systematic evaluation of the condition of a residential property. It is a complete physical exam of the general integrity, functionality, and overall safety of a home and its various components. The purpose of this process is to ensure that home buyers know exactly what is being purchased, prior to completing the transaction.

In the course of a home inspection, the inspector will evaluate the foundation, framing, roofing, site drainage, attic, plumbing, heating, electrical system, fireplaces, chimneys, pavement, fences, stairs, decks, patios, doors, windows, walls, ceilings, floors, built-in appliances, and numerous other fixtures and components. Whew!

In all homes, even brand new ones, some building defects will inevitably be discovered during the inspection. All pertinent findings will be detailed in a written report for the buyer's reference and review, and the inspector will make a complete verbal presentation of these conditions for those who attend the inspection.

This information enables a home buyer to make educated decisions about a home purchase: whether to complete the transaction, whether to ask the seller to make repairs, whether to buy the property as is. Buyers can also determine how much repair and renovation will be needed after taking possession, which problems are of major concern, which ones are minor, and what conditions compromise the safety of the premises

A thorough inspection enables a home buyer to avoid costly surprises after the close of escrow. It is an indispensable component of a well-planned purchase.

In the years since your last home purchase, disclosure of property defects has become the primary focus of most residential real estate transactions. During the mid-1970's, home inspectors made their quiet debut on the real estate scene. Gaining gradual recognition over the past 10-15 years, they attained prominent acceptance as a distinct and essential profession.

To those who approach real estate with the old "as-is" mind-set, the advantages of home inspection are not immediately apparent. But make no mistake a thorough inspection can shield you from costly discoveries after the close of escrow. It's one of the best consumer protection services available.

Every home, regardless of age or quality, harbors a small, medium, or large list of defective conditions; some obvious; some only apparent to those who know how and where to look. When you hire an experienced, qualified home inspector, there is no question as to whether unknown defects will be found; but rather what, where, and how serious, dangerous, or expensive the defects will turn out to be.

Most homebuyers spend fifteen minutes to an hour walking through a home prior to making an offer. At best, this provides a general impression of the overall physical condition. But what about foundations and structural framing, attic construction, insulation, ventilation, and roof conditions. These are just a few of the hundreds of considerations included in a home inspection.

Above all, let's not forget building safety. An inspector can alert you to red flag issues involving the electrical wiring and fixtures, fireplaces and chimneys, gas fixtures such as furnaces, water heaters, cooktops, and ovens, railings at staircases and decks, tempered safety glass in required locations, and automatic reverse of garage door openers.

Furthermore, an inspector can forewarn you of problems involving faulty ground drainage, defective plumbing, substandard construction, firewall compliance, building settlement, leakage, general deterioration, inoperative fixtures, and so much more.

With a detailed home inspection, you will know what you are buying, before you buy it. And that could save you thousands of dollars and years of regret.