Frequently Asked Questions on Home and Building Inspections

This section is dedicated to providing relevant and concise information about home inspections and commercial building inspections.  Our goal is to assist you in making an informed buying decision. 

Know more.  Risk Less.

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What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.

What does a home inspection include?

The home inspector’s standard report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (ambient temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, crawl space, and structural components.  A more complete list of items covered and excluded in a home inspection is reported in the ASHI Standards of Practice.

Why do I need a home inspection?

Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make.  To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it.  A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

If you already are a homeowner in the Greater Seattle area, a home inspection by Axiom Building Inspections can identify problems in the making, and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.  If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition, and reduce the chances for last minute re-negotiations with the buyer.

Why can't I perform my own home inspection?

Even the most experienced buyers and homeowners find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want or own, and this may have an effect on their judgment.  For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.

Many homeowners also lack the knowledge, training and expertise of a professional home inspector from Axiom Building Inspections.  A professional inspector, such as Blair Pruitt, is familiar with all of the elements of home construction, proper installation procedures, maintenance requirments, and home safety.  He knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.