Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone in life but also requires thorough due diligence. That’s why hiring a professional Home Inspection Company in Michigan is so important for homebuyers. Knowing what to expect from the inspection process will help you make the most out of working with a qualified Home Inspection Company in Michigan.
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Home Inspection Company in Michigan
While it may seem like an unnecessary cost, having a reputable Home Inspection Company in Michigan inspect the property before purchase can save you big headaches and money later on. A home inspection accomplishes a few key things:
- Identifies hidden defects, safety hazards, and urgent repairs needed.
- Assesses the true condition of major systems like roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.
- Checks for issues like leaks, mold, foundation cracks, pest damage, improper additions, and more.
- Determines if repairs are needed that you could negotiate with the seller.
- Provides documentation of the home’s current condition.
- Gives you peace of mind about your investment.
Trying to save money by skipping an inspection often ends up being penny wise and pound foolish. Having a Home Inspection Company in Michigan review the property protects your interests.
What Does a Home Inspector Check?
A standard home inspection by a Home Inspection Company in Michigan will cover all of the critical systems, structures, and components including:
- Roof, flashings, gutters
- Attic, ventilation, insulation
- Walls, floors, windows, doors
- Foundation, basement, crawlspace
- Electrical, outlets, wiring
- Plumbing, pipes, fixtures
- HVAC, venting, ductwork
- Water heater, appliances
- Fireplace, chimney
- Garage, porch, deck
- Drainage, grading, vegetation
The inspector will thoroughly examine both the interior and exterior of the home using visual checks, testing with specialized tools, operation of systems, and more. Expect the inspection to take 2-3 hours on average.
What to Expect During the Home Inspection Process
A home inspection by a professional Home Inspection Company in Michigan generally follows this process:
1. Initial Walkthrough: The inspector will tour the property first to get familiarized with the layout, age, additions, renovations, etc.
2. Systems Inspection: The inspector will operate and meticulously inspect each system including AC, heating, electrical, plumbing, appliances, ventilation, drainage, etc.
3. Interior & Exterior Components: **All physical structures inside and out will be reviewed such as walls, ceilings, windows, doors, roof, facade, foundation etc. The site and landscaping will also be assessed.
4. Attic and Roof Inspection: Using a ladder, the attic and roof will be accessed to evaluate framing, ventilation, insulation, shingles, flashings, sheathing and more.
5. Summary & Recommendations: Finally, the inspector shares notable findings, provides safety recommendations, and gives you their professional opinion on the property’s overall condition.
Expect the inspector to take photos and copious notes during each stage for reference in the detailed inspection report.
What is NOT Included in a Home Inspection?
While very thorough, there are limitations to what a standard home inspection from a Home Inspection Company in Michigan covers. Some examples of exclusions:
- Evaluating property value or advising what to offer on the home.
- Testing for mold, lead paint, asbestos or other environmental hazards.
- Evaluating termite or pest infestation.
- Checking swimming pools, hot tubs, or spas.
- Assessing fire sprinkler systems, wells, or septic systems.
- Examining outbuildings like sheds and garages detached from the home.
- Moving personal belongings, furniture, or appliances.
- Inspecting chimney flues or interiors of plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring.
Specialized inspections can be arranged to further evaluate pools, sprinkler systems, lead paint risk, and more. But the general home inspector focuses just on the essential living structures.
What to Expect in the Inspection Report
Following the on-site inspection, a reputable Home Inspection Company in Michigan will provide a detailed inspection report. This will include:
- A summary of the overall condition observed and concerns found.
- Specific details on issues discovered divided room-by-room or system-by-system.
- Photographs and videos documenting issues and areas inspected.
- Recommendations for repairs, replacements, or specialist assessments needed.
- Estimated costs for addressing concerns found.
- Inventory of major home components with age and expected lifespan.
- Appendices with inspection standards and terms.
The report from the Home Inspection Company in Michigan provides all the details to make an informed decision about the property condition, suggested negotiations, and next steps.
Key Questions to Ask Your Michigan Home Inspector
Here are some important questions to ask your home inspector before and after the inspection:
- What qualifications, training, and certifications do you have?
- Do you carry liability insurance and inspection bonds?
- What will you inspect and what is excluded?
- How long will the on-site inspection take?
- When can I expect to receive the full report?
- Can you provide a sample report?
- Will you explain technical terms and your findings?
- Do you recommend any additional specialized inspections?
- How can I best use the inspection findings?
Asking plenty of questions ensures you work successfully with your Home Inspection Company in Michigan to best protect your home buying investment.
Buying a home is a complex process with a lot riding on the line financially. Having a professional home inspection gives you assurance that your new property is structurally and mechanically sound before finalizing the purchase. Knowing what to expect from a Home Inspection Company in Michigan makes it easy to use the inspection wisely, avoid pitfalls, and support your homeownership dreams.
