You may have heard of the saying, “There is no perfect home.” That is true. However, you need to do due diligence as a buyer. Doing so will prevent you from buying a home with crucial damages that will put your investment at risk.
After spotting an attractive home, you may feel excited. We recommend that you always perform a home inspection before making any purchase.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is the visual examination of a house to check the overall condition of the property. Qualified and trained home inspectors carry out this process.
Some people often confuse them with home appraisers. An appraiser checks a property to know its value, but an inspector examines it to explore the condition.
At the end of a home inspection, inspectors furnish buyers with the report. From this, as Florida Property Management Company explains, the buyer will know whether to walk away, renegotiate the price, continue with the purchase, or tell the seller to repair damages.
What does the home inspection process entail?
Home inspection involves several aspects. These include the following:
1. The home’s foundation
One of the most critical aspects that the home inspection covers is the foundation. That is because the foundation bears the entire weight of the house. Buyers often want to be sure that the foundation doesn’t have serious issues that may affect the property.
If the foundation is faulty, it may be expensive to repair. Here, the inspector checks for signs such as uneven floors, foundation upheaval, cracks, cabinets detaching from walls, and foundation settling.
2. Roof
The roof of your property is also essential. It protects the house and occupants from harsh weather conditions. Damages to the roof are expensive to fix. When inspectors examine the roof, they check for the following:
- Curling, blistering, or buckling of the shingles
- Missing or broken shingles
- Growths such as moss or lichen on the roof. The presence of this signifies an ongoing decay under the roof.
- Worn or cracked boots around vent pipes
- Damaged or missing caps
- Presence of water leaks and condition of the sealants
3. Gutters and downspouts
Gutters and downspouts help to channel water from the roof away from the foundation. If there is any defect in this system, it can result in foundation failure. That is why inspecting this system is critical. The home inspectors will check the following:
- If the gutters are free of rusts, holes, and cracks
- Sizes of the gutters to know if they are appropriate to prevent runoff
- Presence of leakages at the joints
- The ability of downspouts to direct water away from the foundation
4. The attic space
The attic space is another vital area, and home inspectors need to access it. Here, the inspectors check for:
- The appropriate depth (R-value) and presence of attic insulation
- Presence of water damage
- Ventilation of unfurnished spaces
- Ventilation of laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom
5. The HVAC system
The HVAC system plays a role in the habitability and safety of a home. If the house is not warm during winter or cold during summer, it may not be habitable. Also, clogged air filters or loose flue pipes can be detrimental to the inhabitants.
Home inspectors will examine the HVAC system to check for malfunctioning or damages to the units and components. During the process, they look at the following:
- The distribution system (ductwork, radiant, and so on)
- Vent system, flues, and chimneys
- The thermostat’s location and functionality
- Fuel sources and energy description
6. Safety
During the home inspection process, the home inspector also takes note of the property’s overall safety. Here, they examine the carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, electrical outlets, garage door openers, guardrails, handrails, and so on.
7. Plumbing
Damage to the plumbing system can be detrimental to your investment. That is because it may be financially draining. Also, it can lead to water damage. For these reasons, the home inspector will check for the following:
- The condition of water heaters and energy sources
- The location of the shut-off valves for the fuel supply and main water
- Functional flow and operation of the fixtures and faucets
- Waste lines and drain pumps
What home inspection does not cover
Home inspections are not exhaustive. A standard home inspection does not cover everything. If you want an additional assessment, the home inspector may connect you with another contractor who will do it for a fee. That is because some states require specific licenses.
You may need the services of specialists for the following areas: septic tanks, swimming pools, irrigation systems, well pumps, water quality, indoor air quality, molds, asbestos, radon gas, lead paints, and termites.
The bottom line
Having a home inspection is a necessity before you buy a property. The seller may present you with the report of a pre-listing home inspection. However, you should not rely solely on that. It would be best if you do not waive your right to inspect the home.
