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A home inspector evaluates the structure of the house, and gives feedback about other systems such as the roof, plumbing, electrical system, heating and air conditioning units, insulation, doors, windows and more.

Whenever you are making what is likely the largest investment of your life, you should know as much as possible about what you are buying. Thats why its a good idea to have your home inspected before you make your purchase. A home inspection summarizes the condition of a property, points out the need for major repairs and identifies areas that may need attention in the near future. Buyers and sellers depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their knowledge of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before entering an agreement to purchase or sell. A home inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After an inspection, both parties have a much clearer understanding of the value and needs of the property. For home owners, an inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn about preventive measures, which might avoid costly repairs in the future. If you are planning to sell your home, an inspection prior to placing your home on the market provides a better understanding of conditions that may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, giving you an opportunity to complete repairs that will make your home more desirable to potential buyers. Most purchase contracts contain provisions for a home inspection to be performed within a certain timeframe, and sometimes they specify what action the buyer and seller may take if problems are uncovered.

Home inspections are an extra expense and usually optional, so do you really need one? Probably. Money might be tight because of the closing, but imagine moving in and finding out that the air conditioning unit isn't capable of cooling the house, or that portions of the electrical system are substandard, or that the chimney needs immediate repairs. So the bottom line is that spending hundreds can help save you thousands.

If you are selling or considering selling your home, it would be a good idea to have it inspected. This would enable you to repair any necessary defects before it is put on the market, which would allow you to find an affordable contractor in a timely manner.

Exterior/Structure: Foundations, walls, piers or pilings, floors, beams, joists, dampness, wood rot, siding, chimneys, driveways, walks, porches, patios, garages, slope and grade.

Roof/Attic: Shingles or other roof coverings, rafters / trusses, sheathing, overhangs, roof penetrations, flashings, moisture or mildew, insulation, ventilation, gutters and downspouts.

Electric: Type wiring, capacity, circuit distribution, outlets, grounding, panels, fixtures, entry cable.

Heating/Cooling: Type, age, capacity, ductwork and distribution, registers and returns, temperature variance, controls.

Plumbing: Pipes, drains, water pressure, leaks, rust, age, size, water heaters, fixtures, septic dye testing, well equipment.

General Interiors: All rooms, walls, floors, ceilings, stairways, fireplaces, cracks, windows

Kitchen and Appliances: Dishwasher, range burners, oven/broiler, microwave, compactors, cabinets, exhaust ventilation, outlets.

Pools, Spas, Sprinkler Systems: Given a more limited inspection with recommendations as needed