A Closer Look: The Balance of Thoroughness and Time
If we spent half an hour under the kitchen sink or 45 minutes disassembling the furnace, we’d undoubtedly find more problems. But if we did that for every part of the house, inspections would take days and cost a lot more.
As home inspectors, we’re generalists, not specialists. While a heating contractor might have more in-depth expertise in their specific field, our role is to provide a comprehensive overview of the entire home. We’re expected to have a broad knowledge of many areas—heating, plumbing, structural elements, and more.
We aim to balance thoroughness with practicality, giving you a detailed snapshot of your home’s condition without turning the inspection into a marathon. Our goal is to cover all the bases, so you get a well-rounded assessment without the lengthy and costly process that would come with a specialist-level deep dive into every single system.
The Limits of a Visual Inspection
Problems often show up when carpets or plaster are removed, or when fixtures or cabinets are pulled out. But during a home inspection, we stick to a visual examination. We don’t perform invasive or destructive tests.
This means we’re looking at what’s accessible and visible without tearing things apart. If we started ripping up carpets or knocking down walls, we’d likely uncover more issues, but that’s not part of a standard home inspection. Our goal is to provide a thorough, yet non-invasive assessment of your home’s condition, giving you a solid understanding of what’s visible and accessible at the time.
Comments