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Insider Tips We encourage the client to be present at the time of inspection. The inspector will have an agreement that the client will need to read and sign before the inspection report is given to the client. The inspection will usually take a minimum of two and a half hours and can take considerably longer depending on the size and condition of the home. It is always a good idea to provide the inspector with a photocopy of the disclosure statement. A good inspector will want to know the age of the house and if there have been any major repairs or additions while the current owners have occupied the home. Our report is made up of two main sections. The first part is the summary which is a narrative overview that reflects the inspectors areas of major concern. Please note that the inspector is a generalist. Much like your medical general practitioner he may make recommendations that specialists be consulted. Also in our report we always try to find three things that are positive about the house. These will be assets that a home buyer probably will not even notice, but will contribute to a safer more comfortable home. The second part of the report is more of a checklist this is also where photographs will be found. There will be tips on home maintenance found in this section. The report runs about 16 pages. We have found that longer reports don't get read and important facts become buried. We will have the report to the client within 48 hours. Usually if the client has e-mail the report will be e-mailed as a PDF file late the same day or early the following morning. One printed copy will be provided. For the buyer: by accompanying the inspector it is a good time to ask questions about different components of the house. It is also the time to ask about any areas of concern that the buyer has. At the same time the inspector can point out his areas of concern as well as assets found. If there are small children, infants or people with special needs the information should be given to the inspector to help to tailor the report with this information in mind. The concept of a home inspection is not if a home passes or fails, a good home inspector will not make that kind of comment, rather it is a tool that helps the client understand the condition of the house. It is then up to the client to use the report as best suits them. The home inspection will probably turn up a lot of problems that can be corrected with the application of a little time and elbow grease. Tips for the seller: be sure that all areas are accessible. This includes electrical panels, heating and cooling systems, and access to the attic. Make sure all light switches work, and installed lighting fixtures have a working light bulb, if the inspector can’t get it to work it will be recorded as inoperable. If you have turned something off; for instance the water because the refrigerator has been removed and the ice maker line has no separate shutoff, let the inspector know. He is going to turn on everything that has a switch or knob. Clean the sink out but leave the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. The inspector is going to cycle the dishwasher so might as well let him clean the dishes for you. Invest a little time in making sure that the electrical outlets and switches have cover plates. If you think you are an electrician and have made a lot of changes to the wiring, chances are you will have done some things incorrectly. Same thing with major plumbing jobs, our plumbing systems look easy but it has been evolving from the time the Romans built the first spa. Set the water heater at 120 degrees, any less and the dish washer will not work properly, any more and the water becomes a scalding hazard. |
The Inspection
Whether you're buying or selling a home, knowing its condition helps assure a fair and smooth transaction when it's time to close. A Tennessee Building Inspection report is for your security and peace of mind. From the roof top and chimneys... to siding and trim... attic ventilation... electrical wiring ... plumbing... furnace and air conditioner ... foundation and more ... a home inspection will provide an in-depth visual examination of the structure and the operating components of the home. Inspections are performed by trained professionals and are done Monday-Saturday at your convenience. The inspector will be at the home for 2-3 hours and you're invited to follow the step-by-step inspection and ask questions along the way. The report will include:
The inspector will review the detailed report with you to make sure you understand everything and answer any remaining questions. The home inspection is an important part of the Home buying process. We work hard to obtain targeted education.
We take digital pictures
which are an important part of the report!
Do you know the problem with this electrical panel? Tennessee Building Inspection does. |
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