A home inspection is an unbiased visual examination of the major systems and components of a property performed by a licensed or otherwise certified professional inspector in accordance with a nationally recognized Standard of Practice.

The purpose of a home inspection is to thoroughly examine a property’s condition, identifying defects and safety issues. It helps buyers make informed decisions about a home before they purchase it, and often serves as a basis for negotiations with the home seller. Home inspections also educate homeowners about maintenance practices and potential issues.

A general home inspection should include a visual examination by a home inspector of a home’s major structure, systems, and components that are visible and safely accessible. These items typically include the roof and roof structure, building exterior and drainage, the below grade space, foundation and structure, electrical system, HVAC system, plumbing system, interior materials and components, and kitchen appliances.

If significant issues are uncovered during a buyer’s home inspection, it may provide an opportunity for negotiations between the buyer and seller to address the issues or adjust the sale price accordingly. It may also act as a basis for terminating the original sales contract between buyer and seller.

In the state of Kentucky, home inspectors are prohibited from positively identifying the presence or absence of mold during a general home inspection. Mold identification must be performed outside of the scope of a general home inspection, though some home inspectors (including Rosie Home Inspections) may offer mold inspections as a separate service.

Though not included in the scope of a general home inspection, some home inspectors (including Rosie Home Inspections) offer radon testing as an additional service.

Prices for home inspections differ and are based on factors such as location, house size, house age, house foundation type, and inspector experience level. The average general home inspection fee in Central Kentucky ranges from $350 – $650.

When purchasing a home, it can be confusing to determine who pays for what and when within the process. The home inspection must be paid in full by the buyer at the time the inspection is completed. Home inspections cannot be rolled into closing costs.

While not legally required, home inspections exist as a consumer protection and are a crucial part of the home buying process as they help identify potential issues and ensure informed decision-making when buying a property.

No, home inspection reports are issued exclusively to the person who hired the home inspector, and these are kept confidential by the home inspector.

Licensed and/or certified home inspectors are obligated to complete each home inspection according to a nationally recognized Standard of Practice (Rosie Home Inspections using InterNACHI’s SOP), which acts as a type of checklist. These SOPs are considered a minimum requirement, so based on their individual experience, many home inspectors include additional information in their inspection reports to give home buyers as much helpful information about the property as possible.

The format of home inspection reports varies by inspector and depends on the type of inspection software the inspector uses. Inspection reports also vary in detail depending on the preference and education of the individual inspector.

A home inspection contingency is a contractual provision that allows a homebuyer to conduct a professional inspection of the property before finalizing the purchase, providing the option to negotiate repairs or withdraw from the deal based on the inspection results.

In Kentucky, an individual licensed by the state through the Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors can perform a home inspection. Licensing requirements include completing a pre-licensing education program and performing a set number of supervised inspections, passing a national home inspection exam, maintaining a state background check and liability insurance, and completing 28-hrs of CE every two years.

Choose a home inspector or inspection company with a solid reputation, verified credentials, and plenty of experience, which ensured their ability to provide a thorough and unbiased assessment of the property.