“What to Inspect When You’re Inspecting…”

I’m often asked by clients to check out a particular item prior to an inspection, usually some of the big ticket things like water heater, air conditioner or the roof. I let them know that I will 100% be looking at those items but I also let them know that I’m going to get my eyes on every possible available inch of their future home that I can see. I even have tools like my moisture meter and my thermal image camera to help investigate some of the things I can’t see.

In short, if it is humanly possible to safely and without damaging anything get to a part of your future home I am going to get there and take a look at it. Sometimes this means I’m face down dragging myself through the tiniest possible space I can get through in your crawlspace to look at the one corner that no one else has seen since your house was built or maybe it means I’m jungle-gyming my way through your attic to make sure that your roof is in good condition and there are no leaks. Occasionally I encounter a space I can’t get into (but I always try) and when I do I always make sure to put that into your Inspection Report. I’ve yet to get stuck but there’s been a close call or two. Guess I’ll have to keep trying…

I’ve talked to clients who had prior home inspections in Virginia (back before everyone was required by DPOR in 2017) and they mention how their previous home inspection only took 45 minutes on a 2,500 square foot home. The inspector basically just walked through and casually looked at things before giving them what amounts to a “thumbs up” letting them know the house had his approval. This is not even close to industry standards these days.

If you’re interested in reading what the current industry standards are for a Home Inspection you can see them at the LINK HERE from InterNachi!

Written By Chris dePolo, Licensed Home Inspector