To the first-time homebuyer, these may sound like similar services, but they are quite different. The main difference between home inspection vs. home appraisal is that a home inspection describes the condition of the home while an appraisal describes the value of the real estate.
The Home Inspection Process
A home inspection is a visual, noninvasive examination of the condition of a home. During the inspection, all of the items typically used within a home are tested and/or operated to verify proper operation or installation. When a home inspector visits a home, they usually have a checklist that includes areas and systems to inspect. The areas on a home inspector’s checklist include Grounds, Exterior, Roof, Attic, Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry Room, Bedroom, Interior, Fireplace/Wood Stove, Crawl Space, Basement, Garage, and Structure. The home inspection checklist also includes an examination of systems; Electrical, Heating and, Plumbing.
A home inspection is usually for a home buyer and recommended by a real estate agent, although there are home inspections for home sellers too. There are those that want a home inspection for peace of mind these are called maintenance home inspections.
The Home Appraisal Process
To a certain degree, a home appraiser evaluates the condition of a home, but not as thorough or as complete. The primary job of an appraiser is to determine the value of the entire real estate. An appraiser will gather information such as the property’s square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The final report will include comparable sales, statistics on current real estate market trends, and other information that went into calculating value.
In most home sales the appraiser is paid for by the buyer and usually required by the financial lender.
How Are They the Same?
Both services are performed before the sale of a home. Most importantly both services are impartial. Neither professional is paid based on a commission or sale of the home. Inspectors and appraisers have a high set of practices and standards towards certification. Finally, the real estate industry depends on unbiased property valuation from your appraiser and a neutral home inspection report from your inspector.
Full-Service Home Inspection Services
At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (Go to the Check it Out Home Inspection homepage for a full list of home inspection services). We also offer One-Stop Shopping Home Inspection Services so you can schedule sewer scoping, radon testing, and oil tank searches 24/7 with a single click or call.
If you’re new to buying and selling a home, you may not know the role of a home inspector. Here are a few frequently asked questions.
01 What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual, noninvasive examination of the condition of a home. The roof, siding, decks, interior areas, heating/cooling systems, bathrooms, kitchens, etc. are all included in a typical home inspection. A home inspection will tell you approximately where the roof and heating/cooling systems and water heaters are in their life expectancy. Health and safety issues are identified. During the inspection, all of the items typically used within a home are tested and/or operated to verify proper operation or installation. Appliances are inspected on a pass/fail basis.
02 What is the cost of a home inspection?
The cost will vary based on region and the size of the home. You can expect to pay somewhere between $400 and $600 for a home inspection. Prices are usually based on size and/or age.
03 What is covered in a home inspection?
At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect; Electrical, Plumbing, Roof, Structure, Interior, Exterior, HVAC, Garage, and Grounds. Click the following link to see a sample home inspection report.
We also offer One-Stop Shopping where you can schedule sewer scoping, radon testing, and oil tank searches 24/7 with a single click or call.
04 What is NOT covered in a home inspection?
A home inspection is neither an appraisal of the value nor a physical survey. The written report is not a compliance inspection nor certification of past or present governmental codes or regulations of any kind. While a home inspector may bring attention to insect or rodent damage they will not inspect for pests. A home inspector also will not test for mold, although they will bring attention to areas that are moist or recommend ventilation to decrease humidity. Auxiliary systems like cable, solar, water filtration systems, etc, are not inspected.
05 How long does a home inspection last?
My thorough home inspections are booked for 4 hours for a typical house—more for larger and/or older homes. Clients are welcome to be at the inspection, but especially should be present for the half-hour review at the end.
06 How long have you been a home inspector?
I have been a licensed home inspector for 7 years.
07 What are the credentials required for a home inspector?
I started Check It Out Home Inspection to apply my 15 years of carpentry experience to home inspections. I worked in both new construction and remodeling, so I know houses inside and out — framing, foundations, plumbing, electrical, windows & doors, HVAC, you name it. I am proud to serve the entire Portland metropolitan area as well as the southwestern Washington/Vancouver area.
I look forward to meeting you at the inspection! -Karen
A home inspection is a visual, noninvasive process where all of the items typically used within a home are tested and/or operated to verify proper operation or installation. Systems included are electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, HVAC, some appliances and grounds.
What’s Included In The Home Inspection For Each System?
Electrical
Home Inspection for Electrical Systems includes but may not be limited to checking for problems with bus or grounding. Assess wiring for general condition, signs of arcing, grounding, and proper use of ground-fault protection systems. Interior and exterior outlets are tested for proper grounding and polarity.
Plumbing
Home Inspection for Plumbing Systems includes but may not be limited to checking signs of leakage from supply lines and drains. Assess plumbing fixtures such as faucets, showers, and toilets to ensure they function properly. Confirm water heater operates and is properly installed.
Roof
Home Inspection for the Roof includes but may not be limited to inspecting shingles and flashing for proper installation and signs of failure or possible leakage. Inspect skylights, vents, and other penetrations. Confirm safe clearances to trees and utility services lines.
Structure
Home Inspection for Structure includes but may not be limited to inspecting visible framing in home, garage, and outbuildings, including roof, basement, and crawlspace. Look for signs of settling or foundation failure. Look for signs of penetrations, leakage, mold, or infiltration by insects or rodents.
Interior
Home Inspection for Interior includes but may not be limited to inspecting the condition of floors, ceilings, and walls for deterioration, safety, and function. Confirm stairway and railing safety. Confirm windows and doors are in good working order, and that openings conform to safety standards.
Exterior
Home Inspection for Exterior includes but may not be limited to inspecting siding, eaves, soffits, fascia, and trim for signs of rot or other deterioration. Confirm gutters, downspouts, and other drainage systems, including sump pumps, are working properly. Inspect decks, patios, porches, and walkways for structural soundness and safety.
HVAC
Home Inspection for HVAC Systems includes but may not be limited to testing heating and cooling equipment, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and gas fireplaces. Look for proper venting and handling of condensate.
Appliances
Home Inspection for Appliances includes the inspection on a pass/fail basis for built-in appliances like the kitchen range, refrigerator, dishwasher, and food waste disposal. Washers and dryers are not tested.
The Grounds
Home Inspection for the Grounds includes but may not be limited to the inspection of walkways, railings, driveways, steps, and patios for safety issues, drainage issues, and signs of cracking, settling, or other failures.
About Check It Out Home Inspections
I started Check It Out Home Inspection to apply my 15 years of carpentry experience to home inspections. I worked in both new construction and remodeling, so I know houses inside and out — framing, foundations, plumbing, electrical, windows & doors, HVAC, you name it. I am proud to serve the entire Portland metropolitan area as well as the southwestern Washington/Vancouver area.
You can schedule with us 24/7 with a click or a call below.
Check It Out Home Inspection Is Licensed In Oregon and Washington
Check it Out Home Inspection is licensed in two states; Oregon and Washington. We are located in Portland, Oregon and provide home inspections in the Greater Portland area and SW Washington. As an Oregon Licensed Home Inspector, we are required to apply for our certification through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).
This is the state board that defines the Standards of Practice for Oregon Home Inspectors. The rules they have established are archived in the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Database. OAR is an official compilation of rules and regulations having the force of law in the State of Oregon. The rules set by the Construction Contractor Board are in Chapter 812. OAR 812-008-0202 through 812-008-0214 are the set of rules which set forth the minimum standards of practice required by Oregon certified home inspectors.
Home Inspector Standards of Practice: Contracts and Reports
Below is a copy of OAR 812-008-0202 Contracts and Reports and establishes a standard of practice for all Oregon home inspectors.
(1) Home inspections undertaken according to Division 8 shall be based solely on the property conditions, as observed at the time of the home inspection.
(2) Oregon certified home inspectors shall:
(a) Provide a written inspection contract, signed by both the Oregon certified home inspector and client, prior to completing a home inspection that shall:
(A) State that the home inspection is in accordance with standards and practices set forth in division 8 of OAR chapter 812;
(B) Describe the services provided and their cost;
(C) State where the planned inspection differs from the standard home inspection categories as set forth in OAR 812-008-0205 through 812-008-0214; and
(D) Conspicuously state whether the home inspection includes a wood-destroying organism inspection and if such inspection is available for a fee.
(E) For the purpose of this rule, a home inspection shall be deemed completed when the initial written inspection report is delivered.
(b) Observe readily visible and accessible installed systems and components listed as part of a home inspection as defined by these rules unless excluded pursuant to these rules in OAR 812-008-0200 through 812-008-0214; and
(c) Submit a written report to the client that shall:
(A) Describe those systems and components as set forth in OAR 812-008-0205 through 812-008-0214;
(B) Record in the report each item listed in OAR 812-008-0205 through 812-008-0214 and indicate whether or not the property inspected was satisfactory with regard to each item of inspection; it will not be sufficient to satisfy subsection (2)(c) of this rule that the certified home inspector prepare a report listing only deficiencies;
(C) State whether any inspected systems or components do not function as intended, allowing for normal wear and tear; and how, if at all, the habitability of the dwelling is affected;
(D) State the inspector’s recommendation to monitor, evaluate, repair, replace or other appropriate action;
(E) State the Construction Contractors Board license number of the business and the name, certification number, and signature of the person undertaking the inspection; and
(F) Include on the first page of the contract and on the first page of the report, in bold-faced, capitalized type and in at least 12 point font, the following statement:
“THIS REPORT IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE PERSON PURCHASING THE HOME INSPECTION SERVICES. NO OTHER PERSON, INCLUDING A PURCHASER OF THE INSPECTED PROPERTY WHO DID NOT PURCHASE THE HOME INSPECTION SERVICES, MAY RELY UPON ANY REPRESENTATION MADE IN THE REPORT.”
(d) Submit to each customer, at the time the contract is signed, a copy of “Home Inspection Consumer Notice.”
(3) Division 8 does not limit Oregon certified home inspectors from reporting observations and conditions or rendering opinions of items in addition to those required in Division 8.
(4) All written reports, bids, contracts, and an individual’s business cards shall include the Oregon certified home inspector’s certification number.
What Do Check It Out Home Inspection Reports Look Like?
At Check it Out, your Home Inspection Report includes easy to read details on:
●The condition of every major component of your home, from the roof to the basement. This includes, but is not limited to, the grounds, roof, exterior, garage, electrical, plumbing, kitchen, bathrooms, living spaces, and outbuildings.
●Evaluation and description of the manually tested working order of all operable systems, i.e. windows, doors, faucets and sinks, heating and a/c systems, etc.
●A summary page that helps to prioritize items of concern such as major defects, deferred cost items (things that may need replacing/repairing within 5 years), safety issues, potential improvements, and items to monitor.
About Check It Out Home Inspection
I started Check It Out Home Inspection to apply my 15 years of carpentry experience to home inspections. I worked in both new construction and remodeling, so I know houses inside and out — framing, foundations, plumbing, electrical, windows & doors, HVAC, you name it. I am proud to serve the entire Portland metropolitan area as well as the southwestern Washington/Vancouver area.
Full-Service Home Inspection Services
At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (Go to the Check it Out Home Inspection homepage for a full list of home inspection services). We also offer One-Stop Shopping Home Inspection Services so you can schedule sewer scoping, radon testing, and oil tank searches 24/7 with a single click or call.
Portland home inspectors, and in fact all Oregon home inspectors, are expected to know and keep for their records the Home Inspector Standards of BehaviorandStandards of Practice. This list of standards is attached to each Home Inspector Application Packet provided by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). The CCB is the state organization that certifies Oregon Home Inspectors.
In Oregon, when you apply for your home inspector license, you are required to know the standards of behavior and standards of practice. Also required is passing the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE). Twelve percent of the national exam is focused on professional behavior, testing a home inspector’s understanding of the purpose of an inspection contract and clarifying the client’s rights as well as the home inspector’s rights. This part of the test also addresses an inspector’s ethical and legal responsibilities.
What Are Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR)?
According to Wikipedia, “Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) is the official compilation of rules and regulations having the force of law in the U.S. state of Oregon.” This is where we find Oregon’s Home Inspector Standards of Behavior (OAR 812-008-0201). There are four main sections to the Standards of Behavior. Below is a listing of all four sections.
(1) An Oregon certified home inspector shall not:
(a) Engage in dishonest or fraudulent conduct or undertake activities that are injurious to the welfare of the public, which result in injury or damage to another person.
(b) Disclose any information about the results of an inspection without the approval of the client for whom the inspection was undertaken.
(c) Accept compensation or any other consideration from more than one interested party for the same service without the consent of all interested parties.
(d) Directly or indirectly compensate realty agents, or other parties having a financial interest in closing or settlement of real estate transactions, for the referral of inspections or for inclusion on a list of recommended inspectors, preferred providers or similar arrangements. This paragraph is not intended to prohibit any discount, credit or add-on service made directly to an inspector’s client.
(e) Accept financial or other consideration, such as material or equipment, from suppliers for suggesting the use of, or promoting a specific product in the course of performing an inspection.
(f) Accept compensation, directly or indirectly, for recommending contractors, services, or products to inspection clients or other parties having an interest in inspected properties.
(g) Inspect properties under contingent arrangements whereby any compensation or future referrals are dependent on reported findings or on the sale of a property.
(h) Express, within the context of an inspection, an appraisal or opinion of the market value of the inspected property.
(i) Allow his or her interest in any business to affect the quality or results of inspection work that an Oregon certified home inspector may be called upon to undertake.
(j) Misrepresent any matters to the public.
(2) Opinions expressed by Oregon certified home inspectors shall only be based on their education, experience, and physical evidence observed by the inspector.
(3) Before the execution of a contract to undertake a home inspection, an Oregon certified home inspector shall disclose to the client any interest in a business that may affect the client.
(4) Nothing in OAR 812-008-0201 shall prohibit a business offering home inspection services from advertising services or for the purpose of recruiting employees and personnel. All such advertisements shall not be misleading or deceptive. A business shall not advertise home inspection services unless the business is properly licensed.
About Check It Out Home Inspection
I started Check It Out Home Inspection to apply my 15 years of carpentry experience to home inspections. I worked in both new construction and remodeling, so I know houses inside and out — framing, foundations, plumbing, electrical, windows & doors, HVAC, you name it. I am proud to serve the entire Portland metropolitan area as well as the southwestern Washington/Vancouver area.
Full-Service Home Inspection Services
At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (Go to the Check it Out Home Inspection homepage for a full list of home inspection services). We also offer One-Stop Shopping Home Inspection Services so you can schedule sewer scoping, radon testing, and oil tank searches 24/7 with a single click or call.
The National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) ensures a consistent competency in Home Inspection. Home Inspection services in Oregon are regulated by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. To become a certified home inspector in the State of Oregon, one of the requirements is to pass the NHIE.
WHAT DOES THE EXAM INCLUDE?
Building Science takes up 64% of the test, while Analysis and Reporting take up 24% of the test, leaving Professional Responsibilities with the remaining 12%. We go into further detail of each domain below.
Building Science in the Home Inspector Exam
This part of the exam measures a home inspector’s ability to examine a site. This includes evaluating conditions, operability, materials, and installation practices of systems. These systems can include Electrical, Plumbing, Roof, Structure, Interior, Exterior, HVAC, Garage, and Grounds. This is the bulk of the test as this is the primary service a home inspector provides.
Analysis and Reporting in the Home Inspector Exam
Although this domain is smaller than Building Science it is still almost a quarter of the entire exam. This part measures a Home Inspector’s ability to create a home inspection report. These reports include the building systems examined, the methods used during each examination, an analysis of systems that are not performing well, and recommendations for any actions recommended to correct problems.
Professional Responsibilities Tested in The Home Inspection Exam
Although only 12 percent of the NHIE covers professional responsibilities, it is a critical component to the home inspection industry. This will test a home inspector’s understanding of the purpose of an inspection contract and clarifying the client’s rights as well as the home inspector’s rights. This part of the test also addresses an inspector’s ethical and legal responsibilities.
The key point for this part of the exam is to remind all home inspectors of the high standards we hold for quality, integrity, and objectivity. The home inspector standards of behavior and standards of practice are so integral to the State of Oregon that they are listed in the Home Inspector Application Packet.
Full-Service Home Inspection Services
At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (Go to the Check it Out Home Inspection homepage for a full list of home inspection services). We also offer One-Stop Shopping Home Inspection Services so you can schedule sewer scoping, radon testing, and oil tank searches 24/7 with a single click or call.
About Check It Out Home Inspection
I started Check It Out Home Inspection to apply my 15 years of carpentry experience to home inspections. I worked in both new construction and remodeling, so I know houses inside and out — framing, foundations, plumbing, electrical, windows & doors, HVAC, you name it. I am proud to serve the entire Portland metropolitan area as well as the southwestern Washington/Vancouver area.
I look forward to meeting you at the inspection! -Karen
I strive to give my home inspection clients the most thorough and complete home inspection report possible. Unfortunately, I sometimes have to forgo inspecting a key system or section of the house because I simply cannot get to it.
Standards of Practice
Home inspectors are not obligated to move personal property, according to the Standards of Practice, 308-408C-030.16. If I do end up moving personal possessions, I always try to return them the way that I found them. But it is optimal for everyone if I do not need to.
Sellers Agents: Prepare Your Clients!
It is so great when seller’s agents prepare their client for the home inspection! The following are some things to remind your seller about before the day of the home inspection.
Packing, Stacking, and Stashing
Sellers are often in the process of moving. As they pack and stack boxes, they may inadvertently block areas of the house I need to get to. Sometimes the sellers just aren’t, well, the most minimalistic folks. Storage areas can be full to the brim with heavy or fragile items blocking the crawl space access, attic hatch, mechanicals, and electrical panels — which are all systems I want to inspect.
Inspecting Crawl Spaces
You would be surprised how many folks are not even aware that their house has a crawl space. The access may be outside where it can be blocked by a deck, hot tubs, etc. Sometimes the access is inside the house, usually in the floor of a coat closet or bedroom closet. Sellers should locate these access points ahead of time and make sure I can open and get through the hatch.
Inspecting Attics
The attic is where I find many problems, like leaking roofs, mold from poor ventilation, insulation issues, etc.
Three common places for attic access points are garage walls and ceilings, interior hallways, and closets. Garages and hallways frequently have a hatch with pull-down stairs. But I can’t use them if large, heavy or fragile items are in the way. Attic access points share the same access issues as crawl spaces. I come equipped with drop cloths to cover clothes in closets and to protect the floor, but it saves me time if there is less in my way.
Inspecting Electrical Panels
It is essential that I can get to the main service panel and any sub-panels. Most electrical panels are in the garage, but they can be practically anywhere. I have had everything from boxes to motorcycles to project cars preventing me from checking the electrical panel.
Inspecting Mechanicals
Furnaces and water heaters are often in utility areas and have stored items around them. Clearing personal items away from the equipment helps me to do a better job. Often when I am inspecting a condo, I do not have access to rooftop air conditioner units or I have access, but the units are not labeled as to which condo they serve!
The Bottom Line
The more I can inspect, the better job I can do for my client.
Check It Out Home Inspection Offers One-Stop Shopping
At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect. Electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, HVAC, garage, and grounds. As a one-stop shop, we also offer sewer scoping, radon testing, and oil tank searches. Click to see our full list of home inspection services.
Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas. You can schedule ALL services, 24/7, with a single click or call.
We know a home inspector checks the condition of every major component from the roof to the basement. This includes but is not limited to grounds, roof, exterior, garage, electrical, plumbing, kitchen, bathrooms, living spaces, and outbuildings. They also evaluate and describe the manually tested working order of all operable systems, i.e. windows, doors, faucets and sinks, heating and a/c systems, etc. Homes have been around forever, but home inspectors technically have only been around since the 1970s. So, when did home inspection become a thing?
They Didn’t Even Call Them Home Inspectors
Even though the term Home Inspector wasn’t coined until the 1970s, many of the services you would expect from a home inspector were performed by engineers and general contractors. In fact, they used to be called Contractor Inspections instead of Home Inspections. Because these were engineers and contractors, the inspections were mostly structural checks.
An Inspector For Every System
As the population grew and houses got older, it became recommended to check your home before you buy. This required a roofing expert, a plumbing expert, a heating and cooling expert, not to mention the engineers and contractors that started the Home Inspection industry. There became a need for a single expert that understood every major home component from roof to basement. They also needed to understand all operable systems. Having a single home inspector saved time and money.
Legislation To Protect Buyers
Home inspection got the biggest boost when legislation was passed to protect buyers. California led the way. The California court case, Easton v. Strassberger (1984), set a new precedent. The court held that real estate brokers representing sellers had an affirmative duty: “Conduct a reasonably competent and diligent inspection of the residential property listed for sale and to disclose to prospective purchasers all facts materially affecting the value or desirability of the property that such an investigation would reveal.” It didn’t take long for the rest of the nation to follow suit.
Check It Out Home Inspection Continues To Protect Buyers And Sellers
At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect. Electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, HVAC, garage, and grounds. As a one-stop shop, we also offer sewer scoping, radon testing and oil tank searches. Click to see our full list of home inspection services.
Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas. You can schedule ALL services, 24/7, with a single click or call.
Source: “The History of Home Inspections”, California Real Estate Inspection Association, 2019, www.creia.org/the-history-of-home-inspections. Accessed 27 September 2019.
The market here in Portland seems like it *might* be tipping towards a buyer’s market. Having a pre-listing home inspection can help you sell your home more quickly. The longer it takes to sell your home, the more it costs you. A pre-listing inspection will usually cost you far less than a
single month’s house payment and utilities.
Pre-Sale Repairs Can Save Time
Knowing what a buyer’s inspector might find allows sellers to make repairs before listing a home for sale. If a buyer’s inspection uncovers any major defects, this can lead to a new round of negotiations, or hold up closing while defects are repaired. Repairs made before negotiations can save time getting to the closing.
Price Your House Appropriately
A pre-listing inspection will help your realtor price your house appropriately. For instance, roofs, heating and cooling systems, water heaters have limited life expectancies. Their age and condition weigh into the value of your home.
Save Time With Peace Of Mind
A home inspection service is a visual, noninvasive process where all of the items typically used within a home are tested and/or operated to verify proper operation or installation. Areas like the attic and the crawl space are places where defects quite often exist. But most homeowners never enter these spaces, so they are unaware of issues. For example, I find leaking plumbing in crawl spaces a lot, and it’s very likely the homeowner doesn’t even know the leak exists. Knowing that your home has been inspected from top to bottom minimizes surprises before your home is on the market.
Full-Service Home Inspection Services
At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (Go to the homepage of my website for a full list of home inspection services). We also offer One-Stop Shopping so you can schedule sewer scoping, radon testing, and oil tank searches 24/7 with a single click or call.
About Check It Out Home Inspection
I started Check It Out Home Inspection to apply my 15 years of carpentry experience to home inspections. I worked in both new construction and remodeling, so I know houses inside and out — framing, foundations, plumbing, electrical, windows & doors, HVAC, you name it. I am proud to serve the entire Portland metropolitan area as well as the southwestern Washington/Vancouver area.
I look forward to meeting you at the inspection! -Karen
Double-paned windows are found in all new homes, and often in older homes that have had the original single pane windows replaced. You have probably noticed that sometimes you will see a window that looks foggy from moisture between the panes. This fogginess is caused by a broken thermal seal. West-facing windows are most susceptible because the extreme temperature changes create a lot of expansion and contraction. But a broken seal can happen anywhere in the home.
You Can’t Always Tell
Standards of practice do not require home inspectors to point out broken thermal seals, but I do call them out when they are visible. Depending on the weather conditions, a failing seal may not cause any fogging at all on the day I am there. An inspection is only a snapshot in time. In my home, I have a patio slider with a broken thermal seal. Some days it is almost entirely fogged, and other days it is clear. When I do see even one fogged window, I recommend having a window specialist evaluate all of the windows.
No Cause for Alarm
Luckily, the issue is mainly cosmetic. I have some clients say fogged windows would really disturb them. I also had a client say that, because she had poor eyesight, she would not bother to replace the glass in a huge picture window, even though it had a beautiful, expansive view! There is a big range in what impacts people in their homes. Also, while a broken thermal seal slightly reduces the energy efficiency, it is generally not enough to have the replacement pay back the energy loss.
Not Expensive but Can Add Up
Most of the time you can get away with replacing just the double pane glass, not the entire window. You will want to consult a window specialist and get bids. The national average cost of replacing a typical window is $150 to $300 for just the glass unit. Not such a big expense when there are just one or two. However, it may become an item to negotiate when there are many windows, if a window is large, or if it is a custom shape. To fix just the glass in 10 windows could cost $1500 – $3000.
One-Stop Shopping for Home Inspection Services
At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect; Electrical, Plumbing, Roof, Structure, Interior, Exterior, HVAC, Garage, and Grounds (see our full list of home inspection Services). We also offer One-Stop Shopping where you can schedule sewer scoping, radon testing, and oil tank searches 24/7 with a single click or call.
I look forward to meeting you at the inspection! -Karen
