Buying a home in Michigan
—whether in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, or smaller communities—means making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. That’s why scheduling a Southern Michigan home inspection with a trusted, certified professional like is Inspected Moore is so important. A thorough home inspection service can help uncover hidden issues in a property’s structure, roofing, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems before you sign on the dotted line. In this article that originally appeared in the Detroit News, Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein, The Inside Outside Guys on AM 760 WJR, explain what a home inspection really includes, why it’s essential for Michigan homebuyers and sellers, and how to choose the right home inspector near you to protect your investment.
Home Inspections
By: Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein
The Inside Outside Guys on AM 760 – WJR
Appeared in the Detroit News Homestyle Section 8/15/25
What is a Home Inspection?
“A non-invasive, visual inspection of the reasonably accessible areas of a house” might be the short definition.
In previous articles we have spoken of code enforcement personnel that inspect for code compliance usually representing a city, county or state.
What we are discussing here is most often an inspection conducted prior to sale or purchase of a property that renders an opinion on the general condition of the property and its attachments.
Home Inspection is not always a regulated profession, so it becomes important to choose inspection firms carefully.
In the nineteen seventies, a trend developed where home buyers would engage the services of a building contractor to view a home or structure on their behalf.
A lot of issues ensued including some that called into question the ability of a builder to analyze the condition of an existing structure.
Realtors were often caught in the proverbial hard place because their professional training does not qualify them to render opinions on structure, mechanical installations, code compliance, energy efficiency, and other aspects of the property.
Even Realtors that maintained an understanding of construction were told not to render opinions on the property condition when representing a seller or buyer in the transaction.
In the past, the industry had a “buyer beware” attitude when it came to making purchases. But the Real Estate profession saw a need to suggest the involvement of professional inspectors despite the evolution of seller disclosures that were intended to convey both property condition and history.
Buyers today are often advised to make their purchase offers contingent on inspection and approval of the property by a professional inspector. And there’s the potential rub.
While some States, like Texas, which was the first state to regulate property inspections and require licenses, there are still many states, like Michigan, that do not regulate the process.
Theoretically, any person in this state can claim the ability to conduct a professional pre-purchase inspection. Buyers are advised to look for and verify certification from a known national entity like the American Society of Home Inspectors, ASHI, or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Inter-NACHI, prior to enlisting their services.
Realtors may not advise choosing a specific business. They are often directed to present three or more options to a prospect and let them make the choice to avoid later accusations of collusion.
These inspections are typically limited in scope. They may not include pools and spas, wells and septic’s, water testing, sewer line scoping, structural inspections, thermal imaging, energy efficiency, landscape and tree issues, infestations, or radon detection.
A good firm will usually offer these on an “as needed” basis for additional fees. The client is cautioned to understand in advance the extent of the services she is engaging.
Buyers are advised to view a standardized inspection form and contract to better understand the scope of services to be provided.
A professional firm may also have a list of trusted specialists that can look at such things as pool equipment or sewer lines.
Look for a firm like InspectedMoore.com, operated by an experienced contractor who is also nationally certified which includes training in emerging issues and use of standardized forms that help to assure consistent procedure and protocols.
Mechanical systems and equipment, if included in the base inspection, will generally only be indicated as “operable” on the day of the test, with no future performance guaranteed.
Gary Moore, owner of InspectedMoore.com, encourages his clients to observe the process and get questions answered. A written report, issued upon completion of the inspection, may include pictures of noted conditions with descriptions of the same.
This report can have long-term value and might help an occupant prioritize maintenance and repairs.
Professional inspectors will often have a liquidated damages clause in their agreement intended to minimize future damage claims for errors, omissions, or missed items.
Some firms may offer opinions as to remaining life of such items as appliances, furnaces, roofing materials, etc.
The message here is simple; prior to purchasing any real estate, engage the services of a professional you can trust to render an objective opinion of building and property elements.
Professionals like those you can find every day at Insideoutsideguys.com