What is the primary purpose of a residential building inspection?

The primary purpose of a residential building inspection is to assess the condition of a home and ensure that it complies with relevant codes and standards. This process involves a thorough examination of the property's structure, systems, and components, including the foundation, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, and more. Inspectors are trained to identify any issues that may pose safety risks or violate building codes, which helps protect buyers, sellers, and occupants from potential hazards.

By ensuring compliance with codes and standards, the inspection serves not only to inform potential buyers about the condition of the home but also to facilitate necessary repairs or improvements before a sale is finalized. This proactive approach helps maintain the safety, livability, and longevity of residential structures, which is a fundamental aspect of responsible property ownership and management. Other options, while relevant to the real estate process, do not encompass the core objective of a building inspection. For example, determining property resale value or estimating construction costs may take place during a real estate transaction, but they are not the primary focus of an inspection itself.