There are certain emotional attachments that buyers face when looking at a house. They may spend 20 - 30 minutes going through the house checking closet space, room sizes, basement and how well the house looks (carpet, paint, window treatments, etc.).
A home inspector typically spends 2 - 4 hours (+or- based on size/age) inspecting a home and look at details like:
- The house may have a beautiful fireplace. Is it safe? Does it have the proper flue lining? Are there cracks?
- The A/C and furnace appear to be working OK. Are they wired properly? Are they safe? Are there signs of cracks in the burn chamber?
- The light switches and outlets may appear to work OK. Do the outlets have the proper polarity? Are they grounded? Are the connections and wiring sizes correct in the main panel? Is the electrical system grounded?
- What about the attic? You probably haven't seen this part of your house. Is there proper ventilation? Are there signs of water damage on roof sheathing? Is there proper/sufficient insulation? Are there signs of mold in the attic?
- If you are purchasing a house with a crawl space, this is probably an area you have not viewed. Are there signs of water entry? Are there foundation cracks? Is the framing OK? Electrical? Plumbing?
These are just some examples of why it is important to have a home inspection by a qualified professional. A home inspector will inspect the house for you, the buyer with no emotional attachment.
Remember that there are many areas that a home inspector will examine: foundation, framing, exterior, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, fireplaces, interiors, kitchen and baths, insulation and ventilation, doors and windows, safety devices and environmental factors.
Your home is one of your largest investments; make sure you protect that investment with a professional home inspection.