Home Inspection Basics - What to Expect

A professional home inspection provides valuable information about the condition of a home before you complete your purchase. The inspection examines the readily accessible systems and components of the property and identifies visible defects, safety concerns and conditions that may require repair or further investigation.
Understanding what is included in a home inspection can help you get more value from the inspection and better understand the findings discussed in your inspection report.

A home inspection includes a visual assessment of the readily accessible systems and components of the property. This typically includes the roofing, exterior, structure, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, heating, insulation, ventilation and interior components of the home.

The inspector looks for visible defects, safety concerns, signs of moisture intrusion and conditions that may require repair, maintenance or further evaluation.

The exterior inspection includes visible components such as siding, windows, doors, decks, porches, walkways and retaining walls. The grading around the home is also examined for conditions that may allow water to drain toward the foundation.
Proper drainage is important because water collecting around the foundation can contribute to basement moisture, foundation deterioration and other problems. Ideally, the ground should slope away from the home to help direct surface water away from the foundation.

The roof inspection includes the visible roof coverings, flashing, roof penetrations, chimneys, gutters and downspouts. The inspector looks for damaged or deteriorated materials, improper installation, signs of previous repairs and conditions that may allow water to enter the home.
Roof drainage is also important. Gutters and downspouts should collect roof water and direct it away from the foundation to help reduce the risk of basement moisture and foundation problems.

The electrical inspection includes the visible service entrance, electrical panel, breakers or fuses, wiring, receptacles and other accessible electrical components. The inspector looks for safety concerns such as improper wiring, damaged components, overloaded circuits and conditions that may require evaluation or repair by a licensed electrician.
Older homes may also contain electrical systems such as aluminum wiring or knob-and-tube wiring, which can require additional attention.

The plumbing inspection includes visible water supply piping, drain and waste piping, fixtures, faucets, toilets, water heaters and other accessible plumbing components. The inspector looks for leaks, corrosion, improper installations, drainage problems and materials that may be approaching the end of their useful service life.

Older homes may contain materials such as galvanized steel, cast iron or other older plumbing systems that can require additional evaluation or future replacement.

The inspection includes the visible components of the home’s heating and cooling systems, including furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, fireplaces and accessible distribution systems. The inspector looks for signs of deterioration, improper installation, safety concerns and conditions that may affect the operation of the equipment.

The age and general condition of major heating and cooling equipment can also provide useful information when considering potential future replacement costs.

The attic can reveal important information about the condition and performance of a home. The inspection includes visible insulation, ventilation, roof framing and sheathing, along with signs of moisture intrusion, condensation or mould-like growth.

Common concerns can include missing or inadequate insulation, blocked ventilation, bathroom exhaust fans venting into the attic and evidence of roof leakage.

The structural inspection includes visible components of the foundation, basement or crawlspace, floor framing, walls, beams, columns and roof structure. The inspector looks for cracking, movement, deterioration, water damage and alterations that may affect the structure of the home.

Not every crack indicates a serious structural problem, but unusual movement or significant defects may require further evaluation by a qualified structural professional.

The interior inspection includes visible walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, stairs, railings and other accessible components throughout the home. The inspector looks for damage, safety concerns, signs of moisture intrusion and conditions that may indicate problems elsewhere in the building.

Interior finishes can sometimes provide important clues to roof leaks, plumbing leaks, foundation movement or previous repairs, making them an important part of the overall inspection.

Older homes can contain building materials and systems that are no longer commonly used in modern construction. These may include knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, older electrical panels, asbestos-containing materials and outdated insulation or heating systems.
Experience inspecting older homes is especially important because renovations and repairs completed over many decades can sometimes conceal defects or create additional concerns that require closer investigation.

After the inspection, you receive a detailed report documenting the significant defects and concerns identified during the inspection. Photographs help illustrate problem areas and make it easier to understand the condition of the home.
The report provides a useful reference for discussing repairs and maintenance and can help you make a more informed decision before completing your purchase.

Thermal imaging is included free with your home inspection and can help identify temperature differences that may indicate missing insulation, moisture concerns, electrical hot spots and other conditions that may not be readily visible.
Thermal imaging is used together with the visual inspection and other inspection tools to help investigate suspicious areas and provide additional information about the condition of the home.

Contact The Barrie Home Inspector to arrange your home inspection in Barrie or the surrounding area. With over 9,000 home inspections completed, extensive professional training and free thermal imaging, you’ll receive a thorough inspection and detailed information about the condition of the home.