A home inspection is a visual assessment of the readily accessible components of the house. The items that are inspected will vary from state to state and inspector to inspector. In states with licensing requirements, such as Arizona, the regulating authority will set the minimum standards (what must be inspected and reported on). In non-regulated states, most good inspectors will join an industry organization and follow their standards.
The most well known industry organizations are the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). However, there are several other smaller ones like the Housing Inspection Foundation (HIF). The Standards of Practice, whether created by an industry organization, the State or both, are the minimum guidelines for home inspectors. The AZ Standards of Practice covers most of the major components of the house, and it describes what the inspector must inspect and what the inspector is not required to inspect. If you have a specific concern about a system or component in the home you are having inspected, ask the inspector before the inspection if it is covered and to what extent. Do not assume that something will be covered in the inspection, especially if you have concerns about it.
Termite inspections and wood destroying insect inspections are not usually included in a home inspection. While many home inspectors are also qualified to inspect for termites, it is usually a separate inspection and additional fee. Some home inspection companies claim to include a termite inspection for "FREE" with each home inspection, but rest assured that nothing in life is "FREE". Those companies usually charge about $50-$75 more for a home inspection, so the termite inspection is not really "FREE", it's just already included in their higher than average home inspection price.
Environmental issues such as mold, radon, lead-based paint and water quality are all outside the scope of a standard home inspection. Sometimes these items can be evaluated by the home inspector, but they are not part of the home inspection. Separate tests are required and additional fees will usually apply.
As I said earlier, a home inspection is a visual assessment. Systems will not be dismantled and no destructive testing will be performed. Items that are concealed behind finishes, furnishings and below the ground are not considered readily accessible. If significant deficiencies are present, further investigation by a specialist or contractor may be necessary. A home inspection is NOT a warranty or guarantee of any type.
If you have any questions about what is and is not covered per the state requirements, please visit the Arizona Board of Technical Registration. Since Homewerx Home Inspections exceeds the state's minimum standards, please give us a call or comment on this post if you have any questions about what is included in your inspection. We'll be glad to answer any questions you might have!
(480) 503-2611 or 1-888-THE-WERX
Because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!
Great article, most people forget the visible inspection part.
Robert Welch
www.atexinspects.com
Posted by: Robert Welch | November 26, 2009 at 04:43 PM
great and useful post! i love your site! thanks a lot!
Posted by: בדק בית | July 20, 2011 at 02:52 AM