Home Inspection Customer Expectations

One of the greatest frustrations between a home buyer and their home inspector are the expectations a customer thinks or expects a home inspection service will provide. It must be clearly communicated from the beginning what the home inspection will include and will not include. Usually, this can be found in the standards of practice and the inspection agreement. It is recommended that a client take the time to ask any questions and convey any concerns so the inspector can address them.

It is also highly recommended to read the inspection agreement carefully before signing it so there is a clear understanding of what is included and what is not included in the home inspection. Additional services, for example, such as a wind mitigation, four-point, and swimming pools are often not included in a standard home inspection but can be added for additional charges.

We must keep in mind that the property being inspected is not owned by the client or home inspector, and as such, only a visual inspection can be conducted. We must respect the home, personal items and space of the seller. As a result, home inspectors do not move items such as furniture or other personal items and this can result in limited access to certain areas or rooms of the house.

Additionally, areas such as the wall cavities, behind walls and or floor to ceiling spaces are usually enclosed and non-accessible. These spaces are also used to convey utilities such as water supply pipes, drain pipes, and electrical lines. At times there could be issues such as a water leak or other damage inside these wall spaces which cannot be inspected or tested. There are no standard tools or methods in which to inspect these areas without invasive procedures. As such, these areas are beyond the scope of a standard home inspection. Furthermore, it must be understood that an issue such as a water leak or a roof leak can develop an hour, day, week, or months after an inspection. Appliances and systems such as a dishwasher and the HVAC system all have moving parts which can fail at any time. A home inspector cannot predict the future.

A home inspector does not pass or fail a home. He or she is merely reporting and documenting on the condition of the home and its systems and components at that moment in time.

It is beneficial to all parties involved, to have a full understanding of the benefits and limitations of the home inspection before the home inspection begins. Clients are sellers alike are encouraged to be present during an inspection so any questions and concerns can be addressed...after the inspection has concluded.

Caliber Home Inspections, LLC

West Palm Beach, Florida