• Scope of a Home Inspection

    The scope of a home inspection is well defined by the OAHI Standards of Practice. Home inspection is a professional consulting service offered by trained professionals who evaluate one to four family dwellings. The work is often done in conjunction with a real estate transaction, although it can be done anytime. It focuses on the performance of the home, rather than cosmetic, code or design issues.

    A home inspection is: 

    • An in-field evaluation and professional opinion of the performance of the readily accessible installed systems in a home at one point in time.
    • Primarily a visual examination.
    • Intended to identify components that are significantly deficient, unsafe or near the end of their life expectancy.
    • Documented with a written report.

    A home inspection is not:

    • An insurance policy, guarantee or warranty on the home or systems.
    • An invasive or destructive exercise.
    • Intended to identify concealed defects.
    • A code or design review.
    • Able to predict the future or the remaining life of components.
    • An environmental review or energy audit.

    Components included:

    • Roof
    • Structure
    • Exterior
    • Electrical system
    • Heating and Air conditioning systems
    • Plumbing systems
    • Insulation 
    • Interior
    • Mechanical and natural venting systems

    What’s excluded:

    • Cosmetics
    • Outbuildings
    • Swimming pools and spas
    • Specialty systems including telephone, cable, alarm systems, lawn sprinklers