Home Inspectors
Home inspectors and home appraisers both inspect property, but the way they do it and what they do with the information is completely different. Where appraisers take a more macro view of the property in question, inspectors take a micro view, analyzing the condition of the property and its working systems close-up. Here are some of the items a typical home inspector might review:
Roof, vents, flashing, and trim
Gutters and downspouts
Skylights, chimneys, and other items that go through a building's roof
Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings
Eaves, soffit, and fascia
Grading and drainage
Basement, foundation, and crawlspace
Condition of the building's foundation
Heating/cooling systems
Water shutoffs/water heating
Interior plumbing, sump pumps
Electrical service line, meter box, electrical panels, breakers, and fuses
Fireplace condition
Insulation and ventilation
Garage doors, safety sensors, and openers
Appliance safety (some will do a recall information check)
Depending on state law, a property inspector may be required by the lender or by consumers to indicate whether there are any material repairs or corrections necessary in a house that's being considered for a new mortgage. Home inspectors are typically brought in by property buyers to determine whether there are any flaws that need to be corrected by the seller before a property deal can go through. Home appraisers typically look at stationary features of a house and fit their condition into a broader picture of what the property is worth; home inspectors can tell you when the furnace is going to need replacement.
