Whenever you make the ultimate decision to purchase a home, you need to know what you’re buying. Houses are incredibly complex, and over the years they can accrue an immense amount of issues. Many issues are difficult to find in time, but that’s where inspections come in. Below is our overview of some of the top home inspections that a buyer has at their disposal.
A pest inspection explores the home, the yard and the foundation of the house to look for damage and potential living pests in the home.
According to The Balance, with pest inspections small details matter, “It’s generally a good idea to hire a professional pest inspector because most people cannot tell the difference between mounds of dirt generated by earthworms in the soil or a swarm of termites leaving behind scraps from chewing wood. The piles are very similar to the untrained eye. However, most homeowners would never notice a pest invasion until it escalates to unruly proportions.”
As with all inspections, finding the best possible inspection company is critical, remember to do your due diligence and vet your company thoroughly.
When it comes to buying or selling a home, the roof can be a deal-breaker. The sheer cost of repairing a large-scale roof issue can be enough to set you back or take a house out of consideration so always hire a real professional to inspect the roof.
As Bobvila.com lays out the regular roof inspection:
“A roof inspector will be looking for leaks, unusual wear and tear, damage caused by windblown debris, organic growth issues, and problems that may have occurred during shingle installation or subsequent repairs. Ultimately, a roof inspection gets broken into four facets: structure, materials, interiors, and workmanship.”
If you’re looking in an urban area, then this section will not typically be, but if the property has a septic tank, then it’s a must to have inspected.
The National Association of Certified Home Inspections (NACHI) suggest this inspection be a regular event:
“The septic system should be inspected once a year, including as soon as the house is put on the market for sale. This will enhance the home’s value and avoid any liability issues that might result from a malfunctioning system. It is in the interest of a prospective buyer to insist that the septic system be inspected before they purchase the home if it has not been done recently.”
The danger of a poorly maintained or overlooked septic system can cost serious money to remedy. Also, because they handle “dangerous waste,” they must be inspected by professionals and with caution.
Well inspections are again a pretty specific situation but if you’re looking at a property with a well then it’s a must. Per Wellowner.org, a certified well system professional should:
Please be sure to visit Wellowner.org to learn everything about your well and proper maintenance.
Small things can cause a significant issue, especially when you’re examining a potential home. Below are two often overlooked parts of the home inspection process that should always be considered.
The Lee Company covers precisely what to expect with a plumbing inspection:
“A quality home plumbing inspection will include checks anywhere water runs through your house. This includes sinks, toilets, tubs, lines, and pipes. Underneath and outside of your house, our plumbers will check both pipes and hydrants for leaks, as well as check for proper support to ensure anti-freeze protection.”
The last thing you need is a burst pipe that causes damage to the flooring or a ruined bathroom. Getting a professional ahead of time will save you the headache later.
The final inspection on our list covers some of the essential parts of our home. The electrical system is often overlooked because it’s hidden behind walls but if in poor condition can lead to a heap of problems.
Mr. Electric layouts some value-oriented reasons to get an electrical inspection:
Just like with all the topics we’ve covered here, these problems may not manifest themselves until much later, but the signs are there for professionals. Hiring or insisting that a complete inspection be performed can mean the difference from a perfect home to a disaster.
Reach out to the best professionals in your area and speak with them about the specifics of a home inspection. With their help, you can find the home of your dreams and have the piece of mind for years to come.
