Job description

A Home Inspector provides a visual assessment of the condition of a residential home and property, usually for the buyer prior to closing escrow. It is also somewhat of an educational process for the client, as the Inspector will provide information about maintenance, areas of concern, etc. The inspector will look at everything that is visible and accessible, such as the roof, structure, foundation, the site itself, checking for drainage and landscaping problems, retaining walls, gates and fences. The Inspector will test each system in the home, such as heating, plumbing, air conditioning, appliances, furnace, water heater, etc. If the attic is accessible, the Inspector will enter the space and review the area. If the home is situated on a raised foundation, the Inspector will crawl underneath the structure and provide information to the client. During this entire process, the inspector will be completing a report, which will provide the client with a detailed review of the entire inspection.

Inspector Physical Requirements

1. Once the inspection is completed, the Inspector will return to the vehicle and either travel to the next scheduled site or return to the home office.

2. Driving to and from the inspection

3. Carrying tools (i.e., flashlight, moisture meter, etc., approximately 8-10 lbs. total) from the vehicle to the job site.

4. Carrying a ladder (approximately 28 lbs.) from the vehicle to the job site.

5. Climbing the ladder onto the roof of the home. Possible pulling the ladder up in order to obtain access to a higher part of the roof. Walking the roof.

6. If the structure is located on a raised foundation, the Inspector will need to enter the crawl space to evaluate the condition underneath. This would entail maneuvering on hands and knees, crawling, etc.

7. While inspecting the inside of the home, the Inspector will climb into the attic, if it is accessible. The ladder is usually used for this process. The attic would be entered, so balance and coordination would be an important facet of this task. Possible bending, stooping, etc.

8. The Inspector is not required to remove any obstructions which would prohibit access to any of these areas. Therefore, no furniture, etc. would need to be moved.

9. During the inspection of the interior of the home, the Inspector will open and close windows, stoop, squat, and bend to test systems, reach to test smoke alarms, etc. There should be a constant change of positions throughout the inspection, so the Inspector would not be in any one position for an elongated period of time.

The Inspector will be writing his/her report throughout the entire process, so will be holding and carrying a 2-3 lb. folder filled with NCR paper. The entire inspection should take approximately 3 hours, longer if the home is larger or of significant age to require extra attention in specific areas. One can estimate approximately 1 hour per 1,000 square feet following the initial 3 hours.