The Role of the Home The Role of the Home InspectorInspector

•To help the home buyer make an informed decision

•The Home Inspector gives an unbiased picture of the structure

and it’s systems

Not all inspectors are created Not all inspectors are created equal!equal!

• Should be Licensed in the State of CT.Should be Licensed in the State of CT.

• Should be covered by at least $500,000 worth Should be covered by at least $500,000 worth of E&O insurance.of E&O insurance.

• Check references, ask around.Check references, ask around.

• This is NOT where you want CHEAP and FAST!This is NOT where you want CHEAP and FAST!

Why get a Home InspectionWhy get a Home Inspection• To be an informed buyer.To be an informed buyer. • To know about the electrical and To know about the electrical and

mechanical systems in the home. mechanical systems in the home. • An inspection is your best opportunity An inspection is your best opportunity

to identify potential problems.to identify potential problems.

Who should Attend the Who should Attend the inspection?inspection?

• THE BUYER’S THE BUYER’S AGENTAGENT

• THE BUYER(S)THE BUYER(S)

• THE INSPECTORTHE INSPECTOR

What is a Home Inspection?What is a Home Inspection?

A A NON - DESTRUCTIVENON - DESTRUCTIVE visual examination visual examination of the physical structure and systems of the physical structure and systems of the accessible areas of the home.of the accessible areas of the home.

What we inspectWhat we inspect• ExteriorExterior

• Roof, Gutters, and downspouts Roof, Gutters, and downspouts • ChimneyChimney• Exterior envelopeExterior envelope• FoundationFoundation• Grounds and DrainageGrounds and Drainage• GarageGarage

• InteriorInterior• Plumbing systemsPlumbing systems• Electrical systemsElectrical systems• Heating and cooling systemsHeating and cooling systems• Windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings and stairsWindows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings and stairs

Other items inspectors are trained look Other items inspectors are trained look forfor

• Wood destroying insects.Wood destroying insects.(Termites, carpenter ants, (Termites, carpenter ants, etc.)etc.)

• Moisture or water problemsMoisture or water problems

• Questionable handyman fixesQuestionable handyman fixes

• Safety itemsSafety items

The most Common DefectThe most Common Defect• Water causes the Water causes the

most damage to a most damage to a home.home.

• Gutter and Gutter and drainage problems drainage problems are the primary are the primary reason for water in reason for water in a basementa basement

Other Tests AvailableOther Tests Available• Water quality and flow Water quality and flow

• Radon and lead in waterRadon and lead in water

• Lead PaintLead Paint

• AsbestosAsbestos

• Septic InspectionSeptic Inspection

• Radon in airRadon in air

Why are we concerned about Why are we concerned about Radon?Radon?• Radon is the second Radon is the second

leading cause of lung leading cause of lung cancer in the United cancer in the United States.States.

• There are no immediate There are no immediate symptoms associated with symptoms associated with Radon exposure.Radon exposure.

• Long term exposure to high Long term exposure to high levels of Radon increases levels of Radon increases the risk of lung cancerthe risk of lung cancer

• Since there are no Since there are no immediate symptoms and immediate symptoms and you can not smell, see or you can not smell, see or taste Radon, you may not taste Radon, you may not know if you are exposed. know if you are exposed.

For more information go to http://www.epa.gov/radon/

What inspectors don’t doWhat inspectors don’t do• Inspectors should not do Inspectors should not do

any DESTRUCTIVE any DESTRUCTIVE testing!!!testing!!!

• Inspectors will not Inspectors will not usually remove ceiling usually remove ceiling tiles, enter unsafe crawl tiles, enter unsafe crawl spaces, disturb spaces, disturb insulation, move insulation, move personal items, uplift personal items, uplift carpets, remove roof carpets, remove roof shingles or perform shingles or perform similarly intrusive tasks.similarly intrusive tasks.

So we are not liable for damage and to keep ourselves safe.

WHY ?

Home Inspection vs. Home Inspection vs. Home WarrantyHome Warranty

• NOT THE SAME THING !!!!!!!!!!NOT THE SAME THING !!!!!!!!!!• Home Warranties are offered Home Warranties are offered

through insurance companies.through insurance companies.• Some Home Inspectors offer a Some Home Inspectors offer a

short Home Warranty (through short Home Warranty (through an insurance co) to cover an insurance co) to cover things like a hot water tankthings like a hot water tank

• Some companies will have guarantees on their inspection reports

THE REPORTTHE REPORT

• The inspection should result in a The inspection should result in a verbal and well written report.verbal and well written report.

• The inspector should summarize the The inspector should summarize the findings with you and if you like, your findings with you and if you like, your Realtor.Realtor.

• Be sure to carefully review this report.Be sure to carefully review this report.

•There are many report formats•Differences include:

•Quality•Thoroughness •Delivery time•Accessibility

•E-mail/Web•Hard copy

SummarySummary• A Home Inspector will give you an A Home Inspector will give you an

objective review of the home’s objective review of the home’s structure, mechanical, and electrical structure, mechanical, and electrical systems before you buy.systems before you buy.

• Review references and choose a Review references and choose a qualified home inspector.qualified home inspector.

Thank you for your interestThank you for your interest in the Home inspection processin the Home inspection process

Presentation by

Coastal Home Inspection, LLC

Any questions ?