Influenced by the changes in the economic and legal environments over the past30 years, home inspection   reports have changed to accommodate increased consumer expectations, and to provide more extensive information and protection to both inspectors and their clients.

Development of Standards

Prior to the mid-1970s, inspection reports followed no standard guidelines and, for the most part, there was little or no oversight or licensure.

As might be imagined, without minimum standards to follow, the quality of inspection reports varied widely, and the home inspection industry was viewed with some suspicion.

With the founding of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) in 1976, home inspection guidelines governing inspection report content became available in the form of a Standards of Practice.

Over time, a second, larger trade association, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), came into existence, and developed its own  standards. 

InterNACHI has grown to dominate the inspection industry and, in addition to its Residential Standards of Practice, it has developed a comprehensive Standards of Practice for the Inspection of Commercial Properties. 

Today, most types of inspections from mold to fire door   inspections are performed in accordance with one of InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice.

As a consumer, you should take the time to examine the Standards of Practice followed by your inspector. If he is unaffiliated with any professional inspection organization, and his reports follow no particular standards, find another inspector.

Generally speaking, reports should describe the major home systems, their crucial components, and their operability, especially the ones in which failure can result in dangerous or expensive-to-correct conditions. Defects should be adequately described, and the report should include recommendations.

Reports should also disclaim portions of the home not inspected. Since home inspections are visual inspections, the parts of the home hidden behind floor, wall and ceiling coverings should be disclaimed.

Home inspectors are not experts in every system of the home, but are trained to recognize conditions that require a specialist inspection.

Home inspections are not technically exhaustive, so the inspector will not disassemble a furnace to examine the heat exchanger closely, for example.

Standards of Practice are designed to identify both the requirements of a home inspection and the limitations of an inspection.

During one of my recent home inspections that I was performing here in Bakersfield, I came across quite a few electrical issues. I wanted to share some of them with you today, in order to give you an idea of what Home Inspectors come across during are day to day activities, and what you might be looking for when looking at homes to purchase. These defects will also give you an idea of why should always hire a Licensed Professional to make repairs or additions to your home. Most home owners do not have the proper training or knowledge to complete complicated task such as adding Electrical wiring to there home.

                                                     (Electrical outlet added in a garage) 

Non professional electrical additions   are not only safety hazards that can cause someone to be electrocuted they can also start fires.

                                              (Exterior light fixture added in correctly outside of garage)

Many home fires are related to Electrical shorts caused by non professional work  done by a home owner or non licensed handy man.

Loose exterior light fixtures can allow water behind the fixture. This can cause the wiring to short out, and possibly start a fire. Electrical breaker or fuses do not always trip when they are suppose to in order to prevent wiring from shorting out and causing fires. Young children can also grab a hold of loose fixture and pull it off the wall, exposing the electrical wiring and possibly causing them to be electrocuted.

Any time you are not sure a repair has been completed correctly, call a professional certified home inspector. To inspect the work for you.

All InterNachi Home Inspectors are Certified Professional Home Inspectors.

Protect your investment when buying a home whether it is a new a home or one your buying re-sale. A home inspection

, performed by certified home inspector from InterNachi can help you feel at ease with your purchase and possibly save you from future unexpected repairs and expenses.