The main purpose of a home inspection is to give you the peace of mind that the home you are buying is structurally sound and that no major problem has been overlooked. Secondly, to verify your evaluation of the repair issues and thirdly, to give detailed information on maintenance and upkeep for the home.

By the time you make an offer on a house, you will likely have a good understanding of the repair problems and will have factored that into your offering price. The home inspector will verify that your estimation is reasonably accurate, and that a major problem hasn't gone unnoticed.

A home inspection is very thorough process and takes approximately 2-3 hours. It is well worth your while to be there as the inspector will investigate all the components of the house, and can explain things as he goes along.

Common Issues

Grading
The most common problem found, maybe surprisingly, is grading issues around the foundation of the house. Poor grading can lead to musty, damp or wet basements. The fix would entail grading the earth away from the foundation. It is usually a simple fix, unless there is concrete or interlocking walkways or a patio up against the house in the problem area.

Bathrooms in Newer Homes
Second to grading issues are problems with bathrooms in the newer homes. Moisture problems in the shower area. Concrete drywall is not code for showers. Newer houses are better insulated and more air tight, and therefore the moisture sits, and can develop into spongy, rotten shower walls!

Wiring
Aluminum wiring has becomes an insurance issue in the past couple of years. This can be overcome with an upgrade to the outlets. Knob and tube wiring in older homes will not be insurable as its considered a fire hazard. The electrical panel is another area to note for insurance purposes. A 60 amp panel will require upgrading.

Roof
An older roof can be recognized by shingles that start to lift slightly at the edges. Other roof issues can be valley repair work and gutter and downspout repair.

Foundation Cracks
Cracks in basement walls and floors are very common in new construction, and usually are not a structural issues, though a crack can cause water leakage.

Chimney work
Older brick chimneys often need repointing (mortar repair work)

An inspection does not usually include: