Home inspection: What's included and not?

Home inspections are a chance for the opinion of an outside, 不带偏见的专业人士提供对家庭状况的见解. 这里有一些关于房屋检查过程的常见问题的答案，这样你就知道会发生什么.

Do you have to get a home inspection?

而在购买或出售房屋时，通常建议进行房屋检查, 除非在购买合同中有意外检查，否则通常不需要检查. 一些抵押贷款的条款可能会要求你进行检查. A home inspection is different from a 家鉴定, which is almost always required when a mortgage loan is used.

If, 作为买家, you forgo an inspection, 售后发生的任何问题通常都是你的责任.

Who is responsible for a home inspection?

一旦房子签订了合同，买家通常要负责 finding and scheduling an inspector, unless a different arrangement is made. Home inspection costs vary by square footage, but generally range between $250 and $400.

What does a home inspector do?

房屋检查员是一名合格的专业人员，他可以通过视觉检查房屋的结构和可接触的部件来识别任何直接或潜在的问题. 他们应该提供一份全面的报告，包括照片和任何问题区域的描述, and may also include recommendations for further evaluation. 你可以和你的房地产经纪人一起看一遍房屋检查报告，以决定结果如何影响你潜在房屋的购买.

What is included in a home inspection?

房屋检查要求因州而异 Standards of Practice 概述您可能期望从检查中获得的最低和统一标准. Some of the areas inspected typically include:

• Structural elements: Any evidence of sagging or bowing of the structure, and construction of visible foundation, 地板, 墙, 天花板, 楼梯, drainage systems and window alignment.
• 安全: Condition of 楼梯 and handrails; operating alarms (fire and 一氧化碳) and fire sprinklers.
• 理由: 适当的 drainage and functioning septic tank; condition of the home's driveways, fences and sidewalks.
• 屋顶: Condition of shingles, 灯罩及烟囱(包括平屋顶的任何维修/修补), clear vents and properly working 排水沟.
• Exterior surfaces: Correct clearance between ground and siding material, 外部油漆或壁板的状况，以及正常工作的灯和电源插座.
• 阁楼: 足够的绝缘，适当的通风和任何漏水或水损坏的迹象.
• Interior plumbing: 无破损或破损 管道泄漏适当的热水温度，以及可用的厕所、水槽、浴缸和淋浴.
• Electrical system: Up-to-code condition and type of visible wiring, and proper function of circuit breakers, 网点, light fixtures and fans.
• 电器: Operation of built-in and free-standing appliances (stove, 洗碗机, 冰箱, 微波, washer and dryer and all other appliances).
• Heating and cooling systems: 炉膛、空调(温度允许)、热水器、烟囱和壁炉的状况.
• 地下室: 坚实的基础，墙壁和地板，没有水侵入或损坏的迹象.
• 车库: Condition of foundation, 窗户, 天花板, framing and roof; up-to-code electrical system and 网点; working garage door and garage door opener.
• 绝缘材料: 适当的 i未完工区域的绝缘，包括地基和爬行空间.
• 通风: 厨房、浴室和洗衣房的通风系统是否正常工作，是否有通风机.

What is not included in a standard home inspection?

While t在这里 is variation of what home inspectors look for, 有些地方通常不包括在标准的房屋检查中, 如:

• Pest control (such as termites, carpenter ants and rodents)
• 游泳池
• 石棉
• 氡气
• Venting equipment with household appliances
• What is radon gas
• 含铅油漆
• 有毒的模具

If you suspect any problems or concerns in the above areas, 你可能想要安排一个认证专家的评估.

How to find a home inspector

Be sure you are comfortable with your choice of home inspector. 他们是非常重要的，可以帮助你发现和避免在购房过程中的主要陷阱.

• Talk to your real estate professional. 他们可能会推荐一个他们过去合作过并信任的房屋检查员.
• Ask friends and family. 如果你知道谁最近经历了买房的过程,y may have a good recommendation.
• Look for accredited affiliations. 消费者应该寻找一个与团体有联系的检查员，如 National Institute of Building Inspectors, American Society of Home Inspectors 和 International Society of Certified Home Inspectors. These are some of the most reputable inspector associations, 他们的网站有一个“寻找检查员”的服务，可以找到你所在地区的成员.

教育自己，对房屋检查过程有一个清晰的认识，找到一个你可以信任的有执照的房屋检查员.