What is the importance of a “Specialized” home inspection by Batten to Beam Inspections, LLC?

home inspection services

Importance of Home Inspections

It is important to explain what I mean by “Specialized home Inspection” (sometimes called a System Inspection). A general home inspection can have different definitions, but it is universally accepted that it is a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the home including major structural and mechanical systems. A “Specialized” Home inspection will be specific to a single system, such as a Foundation inspection or, a Roof inspection, and excludes other areas or systems in the home. From a legal discussion it’s important to note that a “Specialized or “Systems” inspection is not considered a “Home Inspection”, for example, in Pennsylvania the PA code defines a home inspection as: 

     “A noninvasive visual examination of some combination of the mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems or the structural and essential components of a residential dwelling designed to identify material defects in those systems and components and performed for a fee in connection with or preparation for a proposed or possible residential real estate transfer.

The keyword is multiple systems, the code also goes on to indicate that a home inspection must have a written report, this is not always the case with a Specialized or systems-based inspection.

You are probably asking yourself, “Why would I want a specialized home inspection?”, there are several reasons, but specifically, you have an issue or concern that leads you to believe that there is a problem. Let’s talk about a foundation as an example, you have water intrusion in your basement or crawlspace, and you do not know why. Maybe you have had several contractors to look at it and each has given you a different reason and fixes and widely different costs to repair and you are at a loss as to how to proceed. Having an experienced home inspector such as myself at Batten To Beam Inspections, LLC can provide an independent evaluation of the issue. I do not have any “skin” in the game, in other words, my incentive is to provide you with the information you need to make the correct decision. My observations and report are not motivated by how much I might make doing the repair, because I am only there to evaluate the situation.

leaking at foundation

Another reason for this type of inspection may have to do with completing the settlement of your home. Maybe you waived your inspection rights, or your home inspector didn’t comment on something that the Appraiser noted in his report. The mortgage underwriter may want a written evaluation about that specific issue to complete the funding process and settle the home sale. I have done many of these inspections in the last few years and Batten To Beam Inspections, LLC has helped many clients in Phoenixville, Chester County and Philadelphia complete settlements.

Water in Basement

Here are some important points about Specialized or System inspection:

  1. Identifying Issues: 

A specialized home inspector can uncover potential issues or defects that may not be apparent during a casual walkthrough. Inspectors are trained to identify problems with the structure, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and other essential components of a home.

  1. Informed Decision-Making: 

Buyers can make more informed decisions about a property after a specialized home inspection. Knowing the condition of the home allows buyers to assess whether they are comfortable with any necessary repairs or if they need to renegotiate the purchase price.

  1. Preventing Future Problems: 

A thorough inspection can help identify potential future problems, allowing homeowners to address them before they become more significant and costly. This proactive approach can save both time and money in the long run.

  1. Compliance and Safety: 

Home inspections ensure that a property complies with building codes and safety standards. This is especially important for ensuring the well-being of occupants and avoiding potential legal issues.

  1. Insurance Considerations: 

Some insurance companies may require a home inspection before providing coverage. Knowing the condition of the property can help in obtaining appropriate insurance and avoiding unexpected challenges when seeking coverage.

  1. Peace of Mind: 

For both buyers and sellers, a specialized home inspection provides peace of mind. Buyers can be confident in their purchase, knowing they are aware of the property’s condition, while sellers can have confidence in their listing and address any concerns proactively.

  1. Legal Protection: 

In some cases, a home inspection can provide legal protection. If a significant issue arises after the sale that was not disclosed or discovered during the inspection, the inspection report can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

In summary, a specialized home inspection is in some instances a crucial step in the real estate process. It does not provide the same level of information that a general home inspection will, but It provides valuable information, regarding specific issues and helps in making informed decisions. I conduct a thorough evaluation of specific areas such as foundations inspections, termites inspections, radon inspections, or sewer lateral inspections, I provide you with valuable insights into the condition of your property. This detailed information empowers you to make informed decisions about your home, whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining it. With Batten to Beam Inspections, LLC, you can rest assured that your property is in capable hands, and we’re committed to helping you protect and preserve your most valuable asset.

Richard Graff

Richard Graff

Residential and commercial inspector

Richard returned to the Southeast Pennsylvania area in 2016 after spending 20+ years in Texas. Interested in changing careers and after much research he started his training in Home Inspections and has been a residential home inspector since 2017 and a commercial inspector since 2021. Richard is a consumer of information and enjoys learning about inspecting properties far in excess of the standard inspection SOP and using that knowledge to help you make decisions.

Professional Home Inspection Services

Inspecting the properties for more than 30 years