Home Inspection Defined
Home inspections started in the late 1960s/early 1970s as a brief “look around”, usually without a written report. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI ) was founded in 1976. Over the years, inspection standards were developed to keep home inspections to a reasonable scope
and in response to what the “market” is willing to pay.
Home Inspector’s Job
Home inspector’s are generalists. Below is the definition of what their duties are during an inspection:
- To produce a written report of the general condition of the house and garage at the time of the inspection, based on a limited visual examination, and using normal operating controls.
At The Time Of the Inspection
The inspector has no control over the home at any point after the inspection.
- Components can fail at any time
- Storm damage can occur
- Vandalism can occur
- The current owner can affect things
Limited Visual Examination
The inspector does not move furniture or other personal items. The inspector does not cut walls open or remove finished materials such as paneling or carpeting. The inspector does not move insulation in an attic or crawl space.
Using Normal Operating Controls
The inspector operates heating and cooling equipment and lighting using the same wall switches or controls normally used by the home owner. The inspector does not operate circuit breakers or electrical disconnects of any kind. The inspector does not open or close main water or fuel valves or plumbing fixture supply valves.
We hope this helps you better understand what a home inspectors job is and we are here to help in any way we can. Please call us today @ 440-653-1947 or Contact Us to schedule your inspection. Why wait!
