Things to Remember About inspections:
A long discussion could be made regarding the merits of either using one “General Inspector” or using a long list of specialized inspectors or a combination of the two. I’ll instead just make a few comments to spark your thought as you consider how you would like to proceed with the inspection process.
  • Remember! All inspectors are human, so on occasion they miss things.
  • You will become more “intimate” with your home over the years you live there than the inspector will in the few hours he’s there. Expect to run into a few minor items over time that he missed!
  • Should they miss something, most general home inspectors limit their accountability to the cost of the inspection. Thank you very much!
  • General Inspectors are GENERAL Inspectors! Most general home inspectors do not inspect specific components such as heating and air conditioning as thoroughly as a technician hired from that specific industry to do a specific inspection. If you have concern about any specific system of the home, consider hiring a specialist to inspect that item.
  • Make sure to ask the inspector if there are any systems or components of the home for which he will not be able to inspect and give an official opinion of condition. Don’t wait until the inspector arrives only to find that he does not feel qualified to give an opinion on an important component of the home.
  • Remember that all inspections must be accomplished and requested repairs turned into the seller in a limited amount of time as specified by the contract.
  • Consider whether it may be appropriate to hire a specialist to inspect one or more of the following components. Those listed in bold are components we have experienced to be more problematic within the realm of general inspections over the years because they require a special knowledge level and/or special equipment to do a complete inspection.
    • Fireplace/chimney
    • HVAC
    • Stucco
    • Roof
    • Structure
    • Plumbing
    • Electrical
    • Septic
    • Well/water