Pre-Purchase Home Inspection

The Pre-Purchase Home Inspection is the examination of the condition of a home and of what is visible, both inside and outside the home. Typically, after the house sale contract is signed, and before the conditions are lifted, the house purchaser hires a house inspector to conduct an inspection of the house to be purchased according to the house inspection clause in the agreement. During the inspection, the house inspector will inspect the various systems and components of the house to determine whether there are obvious problems with the house, which items need to be repaired or replaced, and possible costs. The main purpose of this home inspection is to identify the current state of the house, providing buyers with the necessary information and objective third-party opinions to help them make clear buying and selling decisions.

Roofing System

The roof inspection is a key and challenging part of the home inspection because:

  • The roof’s performance affects all parts of the building below;

  • The roof is complicated and many of the essential components are hidden;

  • Roofs come in many different types and it is difficult to be knowledgeable about all of them;

  • The roof is an expensive part of a home and have limited lifespans; and

  • It is often difficult to access the roof to perform thorough inspections.

Exterior Systems

The exterior systems inspection involves many components, including the:

  • Exterior wall surfaces, soffits, and eaves;

  • Drainage and landscaping;

  • Porches, decks, and balconies;

  • Walkways and driveways;

  • Attached garages and/or carports; and

  • Basement walkouts.

Interior Systems

The interior inspection is often the area where water damage is first noted and the condition of the interior often reflects the overall building quality and the condition of maintenance. The inspection covers:

  • Components from floors covering, wall and ceiling finishes;

  • Cabinets and countertops;

  • Windows and doors;

  • Stairs, banisters, and handrails; and

  • Fireplaces and wood stoves.

Plumbing Systems

The plumbing system inspection will evaluate components of the water supply, the waste piping, and the venting systems in the house for their installation, determine if they are operating properly, and assess whether the components are performing optimally. I will determine if there are supply issues, water leaks that can damage your house, and whether your drains are operating correctly.

Electrical Systems

The electrical system is an important and also dangerous system within your house. Simply having an operating electrical circuit doesn’t mean that it is installed correctly or that it is being used safely. The inspection will review:

  • The service drop, the service entrance, raceways and the main disconnect;

  • The distribution panel and the visible wiring; and

  • The receptacle, lights, and other terminations.

Heating Systems

The heating system inspection will be exhaustive. An evaluation will begin with a review of the heat source for installation, operation, and safety and will conclude a review of the delivery of heat to the living spaces and how effective the heat is being delivered.

Cooling Systems

The cooling system inspection is just as important as heating systems for your comfort. The inspection of this system will begin with the installation and safety of the cooling system, as well as evaluating its integration into the home.

Insulation Systems

The insulation system inspection covers all accessible insulation from the crawlspace to the attic, the moisture control systems such as the vapor and/or air barriers that are accessible to ventilation components. The main focus will be to evaluate your home’s ability to resist water entering and keep your house temperature warm when it is cold outside and cool when it is hot outside.

Structure Systems

The structure system inspection covers the footings and foundation, the wall construction, the floor construction, and the construction of the ceiling. I won’t take your house apart but will look for telltale signs of the breakdown of these components and alert you to any pending safety issues.

There are other options to the Pre-Purchase Home Inspection you might consider:

As a buyer - Pre-Offer Inspection

The Pre-Offer Inspection means that the buyer is particularly interested in a certain house and would like to understand the condition of the house in detail before making an offer. The buyer can cancel the inspection conditions in the future offer, which is an advantage in a multiple offer situation as this will make the offer more attractive and advantageous. This method is also appropriate when the buyer and the seller have reached a certain intention in advance, or if the seller does not accept the house inspection clause in the agreement. It should be emphasized that the buyer should obtain the seller’s consent before performing the house inspection.

As a seller - Pre-Listing Inspection

The Pre-Listing Inspection is performed by the seller before listing their home. It provides information to the seller to better list their house in the market. It can also identify problems that may cause prospective buyers some attention or concern, and provide true and accurate information for the Vendor’s Disclosure Form. It is proactive and beneficial to make clear to the buyer the condition of the house. Seeing a professional “Home Inspection Report” as soon as possible, buyers may no longer require a house inspection clause in the house sale agreement, thereby facilitating the successful conclusion of a house sale transaction.