Services

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a professional, objective, visual examination of the condition of a
home. Home buyers now entering the marketplace view inspections as a way to gain
valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. It helps them to
determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies at the time of
purchase.

In most cases, home inspections are performed after a sales contract, conditional upon a
satisfactory home inspection, has been accepted by the seller. The inspection can usually
be arranged immediately to within a few days. The home buyer is typically encouraged to
attend the inspection, so that he/she can see first hand the workings of the home. It also
represents an excellent opportunity for the prospective buyer to ask questions about the
home or to discuss potential changes.

Home inspections should also highlight the positive aspects of a home. In fact, many
of the home inspector's observations or recommendations help to dispel home purchaser
anxieties, and provide useful repair suggestions.

The home inspector's service to the purchaser is primarily one of education. The goal of
the inspector is to provide the purchaser with a better understanding of the physical
condition of the home in order that they can make a well-informed decision. It is also the
inspector's role to keep his findings in perspective for the buyer. After the inspection is
completed, a written report will be ready for the home buyer, documenting the results of
the inspection. *

The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code
inspection, an environmental audit, or a home owner's warranty.

A complete home inspection should cover all of the major systems of a house, including
structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior.

EXTERIOR COMPONENTS
ROOF, CHIMNEY, FLASHING,VALLEY-
Evidence of water penetration, materials, condition
SIDING, TRIM, WINDOWS & STORMS-
General condition of each
LANDSCAPE-
Proper grading and its effects on the foundation
GUTTERS, DOWNSPOUTS-
Overall condition and its ability to carry off rainwater
DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS, DECKS, PORCHES-
General condition of each
AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR
Overall condition

INTERIOR COMPONENTS
HEATING SYSTEM-
Visible portion of heating plant and components
PLUMBING SYSTEM-
All visible fixtures, pipes, and drains tested
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM-
Outside wiring, service panel and visible wiring inspected, random testing of outlets
WALLS, FLOORS, CEILINGS, WINDOWS-
General condition of each
ATTIC-
Visible roof sheathing, venting, insulation and framing
BASEMENT, STRUCTURE, SUMP PUMP-
Foundation soundness and evidence of moisture penetration

As a minimum, an inspection should meet the Standards of Practice of the National
Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) or American Society of Home
Inspectors® (ASHI®).

Consumers should be very careful when shopping for a home inspector. The industry on
the whole is unregulated, and many unqualified people offer home inspection services.
The national average price for a home inspection is $250.00. The average time for an
inspection should be 1.5 to 2 hours depending on experience, and size of property. At
NorthStar quality and low prices are the norm.

* The client has the option of either a written or on-line computer generated report with digital photos. The photos can
be e-mailed or delivered by CD via the USPS.