Most of the time, we never get to meet our clients face to face, and only a small handful are ever able to come along to the home inspections we organise.
So there is often a bit of mystery around what exactly we do during a home inspection.
How long will the home inspection take?
One of the most common questions we are asked is how long an inspection will take, most usually by the agents and vendors!
We always allow an hour, although some inspections take less and some inspections take a lot more time to complete. Obviously a studio apartment compared to a McMansion will take less time!
We will ask questions about the size of the property and its age to help. We can determine the physical size and the likely construction method from this information, which assists us in accurately allocating time for the inspection.
Other factors which affect the duration of the inspection include the degree of access and how many limitations are present.
Which areas of the home do you inspect?
Basically everywhere that is:
- Safe
- Accessible
- Un-Obstructed
This is most likely to include:
- Roof Exterior
- Roof Interior (Roof Void or Roof Space)
- Interior
- Exterior
- Subfloor
- Outbuildings
- The Site
Each Building inspector will make a safety assessment before entering or accessing areas, and we generally need some minimum dimensions for access points and crawl spaces, but we will endeavour to get into each area to complete a full inspection.
We tend to do the interior areas first, and that leaves agents, homeowners or tenants free to lock up and leave as they may prefer.
What should you know before you start?
Our inspections are frequently limited by factors that consumers need to be aware of.
Any areas that we can’t get access to are excluded from the inspection. We will always let you know when this happens.
We can’t interfere with the existing owners’ or tenants’ property and possessions, we can’t move furniture and rugs, and we can’t create access points or do things like lift carpet, pull wall linings or roof tiles off.
As a consequence, there will always be some degree of limitation to our inspection.
If there are any inaccessible areas, we will always suggest that you have a further inspection once the vendor/tenant or agent provides access. This usually occurs in the form of a room where we are denied access to, or a locked shed or outbuilding.
In our reports, we provide you with an overall or summary risk rating of undetected defects.
It’s our assessment of the risk of undetected defects based on the number of inaccessible areas and the presence of obstructions.
What’s different about Jim’s Inspection Procedures?
Well, unlike the many stand-alone inspectors out there, we have to account to someone, and his name is Jim.
We have contracts in place with the Jim’s Group, and to be part of Jim’s family, you need to play by Jim’s rules.
This means we document a thorough inspection procedure and ensure everyone is trained to that standard.
If our Building Inspectors don’t stick to this high standard, there are provisions in our contract to deal with it.
It’s Reliable, Guaranteed.
Conclusion
A comprehensive home inspection is a vital step in the property-buying process. It provides an in-depth evaluation of a property’s condition, identifying potential issues that may not be immediately visible. By understanding the scope and limitations of an inspection, buyers can make informed decisions, negotiate effectively, and plan for future maintenance. Choosing a reputable inspection service ensures reliability and thoroughness, safeguarding your investment and peace of mind.
FAQs
A thorough examination of the property’s structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Safe, accessible, and unobstructed areas, including roof exterior, interior, subfloor, outbuildings, and the site.
Inaccessible areas are excluded from the inspection, and a risk rating is provided based on the number of inaccessible areas.
Yes, assessments of buildings under construction and compliance with building regulations are typically excluded.
No, but they are highly recommended to identify potential issues before purchasing.
Standard home inspections do not cover pest inspections, but they can often identify signs of pest damage. Separate pest inspections can be arranged if needed.
Common issues include faulty wiring, plumbing leaks, roof damage, foundation cracks, poor ventilation, and water damage.