A full home inspection is the most comprehensive inspection out there. Unlike 4-point inspections, which review four of the house’s key structural and mechanical systems, a full inspection goes beyond those four points, evaluating everything from grading and drainage to what’s lurking in the interior walls.

When To Schedule a Full (Whole) Home Inspection

Also referred to as “whole home inspections,” a complete home inspection is recommended in a few different situations:

After moving into a new construction home

The home is brand spanking new, so why would you need an inspection? First, not all contractors are created equal, but all are accountable to the same new construction warranty regulations.

Also, as the owner, you have 11 months to let the builder know if anything wasn’t built to code, is malfunctioning, or needs repair/replacement. While some things are easy for homeowners to discern on their own (nonfunctioning outlets, missing trim, rickety shelving, etc.), others require a professional inspection.

Scheduling the 11-month full home inspection is the best way to ensure every little detail has an objective, professional contractor’s seal of approval.

You waived a home inspection before purchasing your home

Hopefully, this isn’t the case for you, as there is never a good reason to waive a home inspection before buying a home. But, if you did, a full home inspection is a top priority.

You want to know ASAP if any inherent structural, mechanical, or lot issues require attention. In addition to the safety of your family, homeowner’s policies aren’t going to cover anything that doesn’t meet their increasingly stringent criteria – and that requires a professional home inspection report.

Purchasing or inheriting a home that is 20 years old or more

If your home was built in the last 15 years or so, a 4-point inspection is typically all that’s required. If, however, you’ve purchased or inherited a home that’s 20 years old or more, a full home inspection is worth your while.

In addition to the standard 4-point inspection categories, we’ll look for any of the issues that are common to older homes, such as:

• Any evidence of previous or existing storm, leak, or moisture damage
• Infrared inspections (offered if we notice evidence of continuing or historical leak issues or moisture damage that hasn’t been repaired).
• Outdated/inadequate insulation and ventilation
• Grading or drainage issues (building codes have changed to accommodate the last two decades of storm season)
• Evidence of wood-destroying insects (WDOs)

Before planning a remodel or renovation on an older home

A full home inspection is a good idea before planning a major remodel or renovation. The budget you created with your builder is only as good as their assumptions before they begin demoing. A complete home inspection report gives you all the information they need to know exactly what to expect, leading to a more realistic budget and construction schedule.

Preparing For the Full Inspection

Finding the best local home inspector is the most important thing you can do to prepare for your inspection. You deserve to have thorough, detailed, and accurate information, which requires an inspection from experienced and reputable professionals. Spend some extra time looking for highly trained, fully certified, and well-experienced inspectors, and always verify their credentials, BBB rating, and referrals.

Other than that, there’s nothing you need to do to get ready for the inspection. If you’re interested, the inspector can provide you with a summary of what’s going to be inspected, how, and why for a greater understanding. You are welcome to accompany the inspector if interested.

If you choose to tag along, make sure to wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty, as well as stable, close-toed shoes and safety glasses. One of the best things about attending an inspection is the insight you’ll gain into the home’s structure, not to mention maintenance tips. Finally, please make sure all animals and pets are safely enclosed or restrained during the inspection.

What You Can Expect During the Inspection?

The average home inspection takes about two to three hours from start to finish, depending on the size of the home and property. We’ll make our way from top to bottom and inspect all areas of the house – including main living spaces, bedrooms, closets, etc., looking for any red flags.

Once the inspection is complete, we guarantee a 24-hour turnaround on our final inspection report. This is what you’ll hand over to your contractor, relevant subcontractors, or insurance agency representative.

Schedule A Full Home Inspection

Are you in need of a full home inspection? Contact Super Inspection Pros to get on our books. We’re a highly-qualified, experienced, and responsive home inspection team that prides itself on getting inspections done right the first time around.