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<p><strong>Courtesy of Jimmie Van Hooser your REALTOR®  - 931-320-2142 </strong></p>
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<h3><strong>What a Home Inspection Should Cover</strong></h3>
<p><strong> </strong><br /> Home inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are  purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more  specialized inspection than a small condominium. However, the following  are the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also  use this list to help you evaluate properties you might purchase.</p>
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<p>For more information, try the virtual home inspection at <a href="http://www.ashi.org/">www.ASHI.org</a>, the Web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors.</p>
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<p><strong>Structure: </strong>A home’s skeleton impacts how the  property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural  components, including the foundation and the framing, should be  inspected.</p>
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<p><strong>Exterior: </strong>The inspector should look at sidewalks,  driveways, steps, windows, and doors. A home’s siding, trim, and surface  drainage also are part of an exterior inspection.</p>
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<li><strong>Doors and windows</strong></li>
<li><strong>Siding (brick, stone, stucco, vinyl, wood, etc.)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Driveways/sidewalks</strong></li>
<li><strong>Attached porches, decks, and balconies</strong></li>
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<p><strong>Roofing</strong>: A well-maintained roof protects you from  rain, snow, and other forces of nature. Take note of the roof’s age,  conditions of flashing, roof draining systems (pooling water), buckled  shingles, loose gutters and downspouts, skylight, and chimneys.</p>
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<p><strong>Plumbing:</strong> Thoroughly examine the water supply and  drainage systems, water heating equipment, and fuel storage systems.  Drainage pumps and sump pumps also fall under this category. Poor water  pressure, banging pipes, rust spots, or corrosion can indicate problems.</p>
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<p><strong>Electrical:</strong> Safe electrical wiring is essential.  Look for the condition of service entrance wires, service panels,  breakers and fuses, and disconnects. Also take note of the number of  outlets in each room.</p>
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<p><strong>Heating: </strong>The home’s heating system, vent system,  flues, and chimneys should be inspected. Look for age of water heater,  whether the size is adequate for the house, speed of recovery, and  energy rating.<br /> <br /></p>
<p><strong>Air Conditioning:</strong> Your inspector should describe  your home cooling system, its energy source, and inspect the central and  through-wall cooling equipment. Consider the age and energy rating of  the system.</p>
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<p><strong>Interiors:</strong> An inspection of the inside of the home  can reveal plumbing leaks, insect damage, rot, construction defects, and  other issues. An inspector should take a close look at:</p>
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<ul>
<li><strong>Walls, ceilings and floors</strong></li>
<li><strong>Steps, stairways, and railings</strong></li>
<li><strong>Countertops and cabinets</strong></li>
<li><strong>Garage doors and garage door systems</strong></li>
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<p><strong>Ventilation/insulation:</strong> To prevent energy loss,  check for adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic and in  unfinished areas such as crawlspaces. Also look for proper, secured  insulation in walls. Insulation should be appropriate for the climate.  Excess moisture in the home can lead to mold and water damage.</p>
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<p><strong>Fireplaces: </strong>They’re charming, but they could be  dangerous if not properly installed. Inspectors should examine the  system, including the vent and flue, and describe solid fuel burning  appliances.</p>
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<p><em>Source: American Society of Home Inspectors (www.AHSI.org)</em></p>
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