Home Inspection Agreement Template

Home Inspection Agreement Template

This Home Inspection Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of [Effective Date] (the “Effective Date”) by and between:

Client: [Client Name], with an address at [Client Address] (“Client”).
Inspector: [Inspector Name / Company], [Entity Type], with an address at [Inspector Address] (“Inspector”).

Client and Inspector may be referred to individually as a “Party” and together as the “Parties.”

1. Property and Inspection Details

1.1 Property Address. [Property Address] (the “Property”).
1.2 Inspection Date and Time. [Inspection Date] at [Time].
1.3 Inspection Standard. The inspection will be performed in general accordance with:
☐ State standards of practice (if applicable): [State/Association]
☐ InterNACHI standards
☐ ASHI standards
☐ Other: [Standard]
1.4 Client Attendance (Optional). Client may attend the inspection: ☐ Yes ☐ No.

2. Scope of Inspection

2.1 General Scope. The inspection is a non-invasive, visual inspection of accessible areas of the Property on the date of inspection.
2.2 Systems Included. Unless excluded below, the inspection may include observation of:

• Roof covering and visible flashing

• Attic (accessible areas) and visible insulation/ventilation

• Foundation and visible structural components

• Plumbing systems (visible supply, drains, fixtures)

• Electrical systems (service panel, visible wiring, outlets/switches sampled)

• Heating and cooling systems (basic operation)

• Interior and exterior surfaces (visible condition)

• Windows, doors, and built-in appliances (basic operation)
  2.3 Limitations. The inspection does not include destructive testing, engineering analysis, or predicting remaining life of components.

3. Exclusions and Optional Add-On Services

3.1 Excluded Services. Unless added by written agreement, the inspection does not include:
☐ Mold testing
☐ Radon testing
☐ Asbestos or lead testing
☐ Pest/termite inspection
☐ Sewer scope
☐ Pool/spa inspection
☐ Chimney/flue inspection beyond a basic visible review
☐ Code compliance inspection
☐ Environmental hazards
☐ Other: [List]
3.2 Add-On Services (If Selected). The Parties agree to the following add-ons:
☐ Radon test ($[])
☐ Mold sampling ($[])
☐ Termite/pest inspection ($[])
☐ Sewer scope ($[])
☐ Other: [Add-on and fee]

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 Access. Client will ensure access to the Property, including keys, gates, attics, crawlspaces, garages, electrical panels, and utilities turned on.
4.2 Utilities. If utilities are off, Inspector may limit the inspection and is not responsible for systems that cannot be evaluated.
4.3 Pets and Safety. Client is responsible for securing pets and disclosing known hazards on the Property.

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Inspection Fee. Client will pay Inspector a fee of $[Inspection Fee].
5.2 Payment Timing. Payment is due: ☐ Before inspection ☐ At inspection ☐ Upon delivery of report ☐ Other: [Timing].
5.3 Late Fees (Optional). Late payments may accrue: ☐ No late fee ☐ []% per month ☐ $[] flat fee, as allowed by law.
5.4 Refunds. Refund policy: ☐ Non-refundable once scheduled ☐ Refundable if canceled within [__] hours ☐ Other: [Policy].

6. Report Delivery and Use

6.1 Report Delivery. Inspector will provide a written report within [__] hours/days after the inspection.
6.2 Report Purpose. The report is for the Client’s use to evaluate the Property’s condition based on observations on the inspection date.
6.3 No Third-Party Reliance (Optional). No third party may rely on the report without Inspector’s written consent.
6.4 Confidentiality (Optional). The report may be shared with: ☐ Real estate agent ☐ Lender ☐ Seller ☐ Other: [List].

7. Limitations, Disclaimer, and Liability Cap

7.1 Not a Warranty. The inspection and report are not a warranty, guarantee, or insurance policy and do not assure that the Property is free of defects.
7.2 Hidden/Latent Defects. Inspector is not responsible for defects that are hidden, latent, or not reasonably observable at the time of inspection.
7.3 Liability Cap. To the extent permitted by law, Inspector’s total liability is limited to:
☐ The inspection fee paid
☐ $[__]
☐ Other: [Cap]
7.4 No Consequential Damages. To the extent permitted by law, Inspector is not liable for indirect or consequential damages.

8. Claims Procedure and Re-Inspection (Optional but Common)

8.1 Notice of Claim. If Client believes an error occurred, Client must notify Inspector in writing within [__] days after discovering the issue.
8.2 Opportunity to Re-Inspect. Before repairs are made, Client will allow Inspector a reasonable opportunity to re-inspect the reported area, unless doing so would create safety risks.
8.3 Mitigation. Client agrees to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

9. Cancellation and Rescheduling

9.1 Client Reschedule. Client may reschedule with at least [] hours’ notice: ☐ No fee ☐ Fee of $[].
9.2 Client Cancellation. Cancellation policy: [Terms].
9.3 Inspector Reschedule. If Inspector must reschedule due to illness or emergency, Inspector will provide alternative dates or a refund of fees paid.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Good Faith Negotiation. The Parties will attempt to resolve disputes in good faith.
10.2 Forum. Disputes will be resolved by:
☐ Mediation
☐ Arbitration
☐ Court litigation in [County, State]
10.3 Attorneys’ Fees (Optional). Prevailing party attorneys’ fees: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Limited to: [Details].

11. Notices

11.1 Notice Method. Notices must be sent by: ☐ Email ☐ Certified mail ☐ Courier ☐ Other: [Method].
11.2 Notice Contacts.

• Client Email: [Email]

• Inspector Email: [Email]

12. Governing Law and Miscellaneous

12.1 Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by the laws of [State].
12.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement is the entire agreement and supersedes prior discussions.
12.3 Amendments. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
12.4 Severability. If any provision is unenforceable, the rest remains effective.
12.5 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts and by electronic signature.

Signatures

By signing below, the Parties agree to be bound by this Home Inspection Agreement as of the Effective Date.

Client: [Client Name]
Date: [Date]
Signature: ___________________________

Inspector: [Inspector Name / Company]
Title/License (if applicable): [Title/License]
Date: [Date]
Signature: ___________________________