WHAT TO EXPECT

A home inspection gives you peace of mind but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information quickly. This usually includes a written report, checklists, photographs, environmental reports, and what the inspector says during the inspection. All this, combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself, makes the experience even more overwhelming.

What should you do?
Relax …

You are hiring the best Home Inspection Company in the area. Top2Bottom team is Professionally Trained, State Licensed and Nationally Certified to complete the inspection task at hand. You will be emailed a comprehensive computerized inspection report with digital photos that is emailed to you and your Realtor. Also, you will receive additional material that you will enjoy and assist you within the home buying process and future maintenance of the property.

Your inspection will consist of maintenance recommendations, life expectancies, and minor imperfections present in the home.

However, the issues that matter will fall into these four categories:

1. 
   Structural Failure. (Loss of the load-carrying capacity of a component or member within a structure or itself. Structural failure is initiated when the material in a structure is stressed to its strength limit, thus causing fracture or excessive deformations.)
2. 
   Major Defects. (Defect in a significant element of the building. That defect must be likely to cause the inability to use the facility for its intended purpose, or destruction or threat of collapse of all or part of the building)
3. 
   Things Hindering the Ability to Finance, Legally Occupy or Insure the Home. (This would be unlivable conditions in the home due to dangerous materials is structurally unsound, has a severe mold problem, lacks functioning electrical/plumbing systems or provide protection from extreme heat or cold.)
4. 
   Safety Hazards. (Hidden dangers that may increase the risk of injury or even death. Common hazards in the home can lead to slips and falls, house fires, carbon monoxide exposure, accidental burns, and other damages.)

Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).

Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that
sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Don't kill your deal over things that don't matter or are routine maintenance. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure, or nit-picky items.