Making Sure You Get Everything You Need From Your Home Inspection
When purchasing a home, your inspector is your most valuable ally. They’ll take the time to explain any issues they uncover, giving you an in-depth view of the property and providing you with a detailed report on what needs to be addressed.
Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on your new house is no small feat, so it’s essential that you get all the information needed from a home inspection. Not only will this guarantee that you get your money’s worth from the inspection, but having one completed beforehand also helps shield against buyer’s remorse later down the line.
The most costly project will likely be a plumbing or water problem, which can run up to several thousand dollars in expenses. You also need to cover restoration costs like dry out and mold remediation that come with this undertaking.
Another costly expense is electrical problems, which are the third leading cause of house fires. A qualified inspector should inspect the entire electrical panel from top to bottom for corroded wires, proper amperage ratings and correct wiring/grounding. They’ll also test switches and receptacles for functionality as well as GFCI outlets for safety and electric shock protection in areas close to water sources.
Your inspector will not only detect any issues in the home, but they’ll also alert you to any safety features that are essential to you. For instance, if a smoke detector isn’t properly installed and situated too near to a sleeping area, then it might be wise to ask the seller to rectify this.
Other potential issues to be aware of are a leaking roof, foundation or plumbing. If not addressed right away, these damages can cause extensive harm and require costly restoration work in the future.
A reliable home inspector will verify the presence of adequate insulation and ventilation throughout the property. Furthermore, they’ll test the air conditioning and heating system to guarantee its functionality is unimpaired.
Additionally, the roof, gutters and downspouts are examined to guarantee they’re in proper working order. This is especially crucial for older homes which cannot easily have a replacement installed.
Window and door systems: A home inspector will look for leaks, cracks, and broken caulking around windows and doors. They’ll also evaluate how securely the frames are attached to their frames as well as whether they’re properly insulated and sealed.
They will also inspect windows to detect cracked or broken glass, and if so, suggest replacing them.
If there’s a major structural flaw, the inspector can let you know right away. For instance, if they notice that your roof has cracks, they may suggest having it replaced before closing on the house.
Other things to watch out for include a clogged drain, improper plumbing and a broken sewer line. As one sewage line can cost up to $10,000, if you’re thinking of moving make sure you ask your realtor about any potential issues down the line.