A HOME INSPECTOR IS AN EXPERT GENERALIST

Home inspectors can provide countless reasons why it’s important for a buyer to conduct an inspection on a house they have under contract. They are experts on a great many topics and inspections often save buyers both money and headaches by diagnosing problems within a structure before the transaction is finalized. What inspectors do.

A licensed home inspector in Illinois can inspect many areas of a home during an inspection, including the following: 

• Structure and Foundation 

• Interior and Exterior 

• Roof and Chimney 

• Plumbing

 • Electrical 

• Heating and Cooling Systems 

• Insulation and Ventilation 

• Fireplaces and Fuel Burning Appliances 

 The ensuing home inspection report includes a thorough description of the above areas, including the system components and whether they are significantly deficient. Further, if any of the above areas are not inspected, the home inspector needs to state if there were conditions or obstructions that prevented their review. The buyer, their real estate agent and their attorney will then review the inspection report and request repairs or monetary compensation to cover items of concern:

What can a home inspector NOT do? Please keep in mind, home inspectors don’t check everything. It is essential to be clear on what a home inspection does not cover. Under the Illinois Rules and the National ASHI Standards, a home inspector is not required to do the following: 

• Inspect areas that are not easily accessible (stuck attic door; interior of a chimney) 

• Inspect areas that are unsafe (dangerous roof conditions)

• Inspect systems that may cause more damage if turned on (turning on a system that has been shut down) 

• Inspect systems that are inoperable (a non-functioning circuit breaker) 

• Determine the life expectancy of a system or unit (remaining life-expectancy of a water heater) • Determine environmental hazards (soil conditions near a manufacturing plant) 

• Determine the market value of a property (solely for a licensed appraiser) 

What also must be conveyed to the buyer is that only the areas that are clearly visible and accessible are to be reviewed by the home inspector. In addition, any area which poses a risk for the home inspector, the condition of the home or its systems, creates at a minimum the need for further evaluation. When is another licensed or certified professional needed? There are important issues that may require additional resources in identifying the extent and need of a potential problem in a home. 

For example, a home inspector may suspect that asbestos is in the walls of the property, but to determine the magnitude, the buyer will need an abatement contractor to test and determine the amount. Asbestos testing is regulated by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and requires specific handling which is outside the scope of a home inspector’s duties. Other areas that may require another qualified professional, 

• Engineering or Architectural Services 

What can you do to ensure the best inspection? Inform your clients what the inspection covers - and what it won’t - so that expectations are set accurately. A qualified home inspector will identify areas of vulnerability in the home that are beyond the scope of their inspection and advise if additional steps are recommended in addition to the general inspection. A home inspector can also perform additional services for a buyer, beyond the requirements of a home inspection, but must be qualified to do so and appropriately credentialed in that area. A home inspector can also advise on what type of professional to contact to address those issues. Ultimately, the homeowner is the best person to advocate for themselves in the home buying process. outside the scope of home inspection, are as follows: 

• Radon Testing and Mitigation 

• Mold Testing 

• Lead Based Paint 

• Soil or Groundwater Testing 

• Insurance Assessment

What can you do to ensure the best inspection? Inform your clients what the inspection covers - and what it won’t - so that expectations are set accurately. A qualified home inspector will identify areas of vulnerability in the home that are beyond the scope of their inspection and advise if additional steps are recommended in addition to the general inspection. A home inspector can also perform additional services for a buyer, beyond the requirements of a home inspection, but must be qualified to do so and appropriately credentialed in that area. A home inspector can also advise on what type of professional to contact to address those issues. Ultimately, the homeowner is the best person to advocate for themselves in the home buying process.