What are the Different Types of Residential Inspection?

While buying, building, or maintaining a home, you’ll most likely come across the term residential inspection. The good part is that these inspections are your first line of defense when it comes to spotting issues or understanding the actual condition of the property.

Depending on the stage of your homeownership journey or specific concern, you may need different types of residential property inspections. 

Why Residential Inspection Matters

A residential property, looking flawless on the surface, can hide bigger surprises beneath the paint, under the foundation, behind the walls, or in shiny appliances. The inspection helps the buyers and homeowners to see what their eyes can’t. It’s not about scaring you away from the home, but let you know everything before you make crucial decisions.

Types of Residential Inspections

There are various types of residential inspections you should know about:

1. General Home Inspection (Pre-Purchase Inspection)

This one is the most well-known and widely used inspection type. It is conducted during the home-buying process, usually after an offer is accepted but before the closing. This inspection covers the assessment of:

• Foundation and structural integrity

• Roof, attic, and insulation

• Plumbing and electrical systems

• HVAC (heating and cooling)

• Walls, floors, ceilings, and windows

• Appliances and fixtures

• Garage, doors, drainage, and visible mold or moisture issues

This inspection reveals hidden problems that may help you negotiate, request repairs, or reconsider the purchase altogether.

2. Pre-Listing Home Inspection (Seller’s Inspection)

If you are thinking of selling a home, then a pre-listing inspection gives you a full report of the property’s condition before buyers conduct their own inspection. This inspection covers the same elements as a general home inspection. Getting this inspection before listing a property helps to:

• Address problems ahead of time

• Price your home according to your desire

• Avoid last-minute surprises

This is helpful to make the selling process smooth and transparent, especially in a competitive market.

3. New Construction Inspection (Phase-Based Inspections)

We all know that newly built homes can also have defects. There can be improper framing, reversed polarity in outlets, insufficient insulation, or improper drainage grading. To avoid having such problems, savvy homeowners get phase inspections in which a certified inspector evaluates the builder’s work at each vital phase and provides recommendations according to the issues found. Typical inspection phases include:

• Pre-Pour Foundation Inspection: before concrete is poured

• Pre-Drywall Inspection: after framing and rough-ins

• Final Inspection: before closing

4. 11-Month Warranty Inspection

This is for newly built homes that are approaching the end of their builder’s warranty. Most of the builders offer a one-year warranty after closing. This inspection is a detailed check in which a licensed inspector checks for:

• Settling cracks

• Warped materials

• HVAC inefficiencies

• Minor plumbing or electrical issues

• Cosmetic defects like separated tile or drywall

Homeowners often uncover issues only after living in the home for a few seasons. Having this inspection report, you can ask your builder for repairs with confidence.

Additional Residential Inspections

While listing types of residential inspections, it is unfair not to discuss the additional services homeowners and homebuyers often schedule based on the property's condition. The additional home inspection services include:

1. Pest & Termites Inspection

Wood destroying insects (WDI) like termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles can silently eat away at your home’s structure. By the time you notice their activity, there might be severe damage done behind the surface. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), every year, termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage in the U.S.

Getting a pest and termite inspection can help you catch the issue early and save your property from severe damage.

2. Pools & Spas Inspection

The luxurious element in the homes comes with complex systems that need to be safe, up to code, and functioning correctly. If there is any structural or functional issue with a pool, it can cause emergencies for the residents.

A pool inspection covers evaluation of the cracks, efficiency of equipment, electrical safety, and other safety features. Pools can be expensive to repair and maintain, so the best way to keep them in good shape is by detecting problems early.

3. Well & Septic Inspection

If your home is not connected to municipal water and sewer, a well and septic system inspection is critical for health, safety, and compliance.

In the well inspection, the inspector checks water flow rate, water quality, pump and pressure tank function, and visible plumbing.

In the septic inspection, the inspector evaluates tank integrity, drain field saturation, and distribution box function.

4. Stucco Inspection

Stucco looks beautiful when installed correctly and maintained properly. Otherwise, it can trap moisture, leading to mold, rot, or structural decay behind your walls. A stucco inspection for the homes is a non-invasive visual check for cracks, discoloration, and bulges. The inspector tests the moisture and sealing of doors and windows.

5. Sewer Scope Inspection

You can’t know what is lurking in your main sewer line unless you scope it. A sewer scope inspection helps to see inside the main sewer line. The inspector inserts a camera to detect the presence of issues like tree root intrusion, bellied or collapsed lines, clogs, offset joints, or corrosion.

6. Mold Inspection

Mold is more than a spot on the surface. It can impact air quality, cause health issues, and destroy materials if left unchecked. A mold inspection covers a visual check of mold growth, water stains, and humidity problems. The inspector collects samples for lab testing and recommends the required measures to prevent further damage.

Final Thoughts

All different types of residential inspections are not equal. These are designed to protect you from potential damage. When planning an inspection, the best approach is to consult the experts and describe your property type, condition, and specific concerns. The inspector will guide you with a suitable inspection according to the condition.

Bryan & Bryan Inspections is providing the best inspection services in Houston, TX. You can get your inspection scheduled online and make informed decisions with confidence, because the home inspector will provide a comprehensive report, explaining everything about your home.