Home inspections can be an intimidating process for buyers as they anticipate the unknown or what could potentially be uncovered during the inspection. A home inspection is a valuable tool for buyers to use when making a real estate purchase. It can give buyers peace of mind knowing that the property is in good condition and free of any major issues. In this blog article, we will discuss what buyers can expect from a home inspection and how it can help them make an informed decision about their purchase.
What’s the Goal of a Home Inspection?
The goal of a home inspection is to give a full report on the property’s condition so that buyers know about any potential issues before they decide to buy it. Once the inspection is done, buyers usually get an official report with a list of problems and an estimate of how much it will cost to fix or replace them. This report is important for buyers to review before moving forward with their purchase, so they have a full understanding of what needs to be done after closing on their new home.
What Does a Home Inspector Look For?
We will examine the property inside and out, assessing all visible systems and components. This includes everything from structural elements like the foundation, walls, floors, stairs, roofing, and windows to the electrical system, plumbing system, heating and air conditioning systems, insulation, ventilation, and more. We may take photographs or videos during the inspection so we can document any defects we find.
Standard Home Inspection Checklist
During a home inspection, there are certain things that should always be checked, such as:
The Structure
We check for cracks in walls or ceilings that may indicate structural issues, any rot or water damage, evidence of recent repairs, signs of pests such as termites, sagging roofs, roof tiles missing or out of place, loose boards on decks or porches, siding that’s not properly attached, settling foundations or cracked foundations, chimneys that are not properly sealed around openings, and more.
Electrical Systems
We look for worn wiring insulation or exposed wires and outlets without ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Overloaded circuits, reverse polarity connections, outdated fuse boxes, and other potential safety hazards associated with electricity. Such as poor lighting conditions or overloaded extension cords in use.
Plumbing Systems
We look for leaks in pipes or fixtures that could cause water damage over time if not addressed early. Faulty drainage systems could lead to flooding if left unchecked. Tests are conducted to check the water pressure throughout both hot and cold lines within the house.
Heating/Air Conditioning Systems
We test airflow through ducts where applicable. As well as checking furnace filters for signs of dirt buildup indicating poor maintenance over time. Inspecting blower motors for cracks indicating wear and tear due to years of service. Inspect heat exchangers for corrosion that may indicate possible problems down the road, such as cracking. Due to age-induced wear and tear leading to gas leakage into homes.
We also look closely at the appliances that come with your purchase, like washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc., to make sure they work (if necessary) and to see if their serial numbers are on any recall lists. This makes sure that no dangerous items are left on your property after closing day.
When there are fireplaces, we usually check the flues and dampers to make sure they work right. As well as the venting and sealing around the units. This is done to make sure that all safety procedures and operations meet current regulations. So access and use rights granted by local ordinances governing construction and occupancy requirements can be kept after the purchase.
If you’re thinking about buying a new home, it’s beneficial to spend the money on a home inspector. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line on closing day. Peace of mind goes hand-in-hand with informed decisions and thorough assessments made ahead of time! Make sure you know ahead of time what kinds of problems exist (if any) so you can plan accordingly post-sale. Contact us today for a comprehensive and dynamic home inspection that meets the needs of both homebuyers and sellers.