Why do I need a home inspection?

A home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your life. A home inspection will help you become aware of deficiencies, problematic components, items that don’t work properly, water intrusion issues, pest intrusion issues, structural problems, and a list of small (but often irritating) items that may need repair or improvement. This will help you make educated decisions regarding the house you want to purchase and reduce your risk in this significant investment.

I am purchasing a brand new home, do I still need an inspection?

Despite what the builder or the builder’s agent may tell you, it’s a wise decision to have a home inspection. Though the home comes typically with a 1-year home warrantee, there can be deficiencies in the construction or materials used that slip by city and county building inspections and the builder’s superintendent. There has been a large number of individual specialized contractors doing their individual parts in the building of the home.  It is important to make sure that everything was done correctly and interfaces with the rest of the house correctly.  Examples of items I have seen missed in new homes include a missing flashing on the roof that left an opening into the attic that I could stick my finger through, missing insulation in the attic, appliances that were not hooked up right, plumbing leaks, landscape drainage issues, missing door or cabinet hardware, rubbing doors, and a list of other small irritating items that you would want to have fixed.      

What if I purchased a home without an inspection contingency? Do I still need an inspection?

Though you are not in a position to negotiate with the results of a home inspection, it is important to know what you have purchased.  You now need to be aware of the deficiencies of your new home so you can work with them, fix them, or maintain them properly. Your inspection report can also act as a task list to help you prioritize future repairs and maintenance. Not knowing a problem exists does not make it go away or keep it from getting worse, which is why having a full inspection should be a top priority.

What is included in a home inspection?

Washington State has established the “Standards of Practice” for a home inspection in this state. A licensed home inspector is required to include these items in an inspection if it is defined as a “home inspection”  This exhaustive list can be found on the Washington State Department of Licensing Website here: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-408C&full=true Please see our “Services” tab for a full list of all items that we check in our inspections.

What is NOT included in a home inspection?

There are an endless number of things that could be inspected in a home.  Some are visible and some are not. Some require sophisticated equipment to test and some require a skilled specialist. This is not an exhaustive list but are some of the main items that are NOT a part of a home inspection:

  • City/County code and ordinance compliance

  • Any water supply systems, wells, or treatment systems, drain waste or sewer plumbing that is outside the home structure and buried or not visible, septic systems, and septic drain fields.

  • Landscape irrigation systems 

  • Security systems, TV/internet/Cable systems, Internet cabling

  • Pools, spas, hot tubs, or saunas

  • Solar or Geo Thermal heating or energy Systems

  • Central Vacuum systems

  • Underground storage tanks or Propane tanks

  • Any wiring in walls that is not visible

  • Fences are not inspected according to WA State SOP but I generally try to mention general condition of fence

  • Estimates for repairs 

  • Testing for methamphetamine exposure

  • Testing for Radon or lead based paint (these can be done if requested)

  • Lab Testing for mold or asbestos materials

How long does it take to get the inspection report?

An inspection report is sent to you by email within 24 hours of the inspection date.

How do I schedule a home inspection?

Just click the button below to submit your information! You can also email us at admin@safehouseinspections.net or call us at 206-412-8165 if you prefer.