So, you’ve just bought a new home, and it seems perfect. You’re thrilled… until you actually move in and discover the leaky roof, cracked foundation, and other issues that you missed on your initial visit. Whoops. It sounds like you didn’t get a property inspection. If you don’t want issues like this to catch you off-guard, you need to do a home inspection. An inspection is a must before buying or selling a home; you don’t want any nasty surprises after the deal is done!
You might be wondering what, exactly, a property inspection covers. Read on to find out what an inspector looks for when inspecting a house.
A Solid Foundation
One of the most important things to check before buying a home is the foundation. Foundation issues can have an enormous impact on a home, and repairs can cost thousands of dollars. A home inspector will check the foundation to see if there are any serious problems. If there are, it can have a large impact on the home’s sale value. If the house has a basement, the inspector will examine it, too. They’ll catch things like excess moisture or pest problems.
The Roof
A home’s roof is arguably as important as its foundation. When checking the roof, an inspector looks for things like worn shingles and other damage. Gutters and vents are also checked, as well as chimneys (if present). If your home has an attic, it will be checked much like the basement. Both are common places for pests to hide, as well as for moisture to accumulate.
Room by Room
A home inspection takes the phrase “floor to ceiling” literally. An inspection involves looking over every aspect of a home: floors, walls, ceilings, windows, and doors. Inspectors will check to make sure things are level and look for leaks, checking insulation, and more. Even small cracks can indicate big problems if the inspector knows what to look for. That’s why it’s important to hire the best building inspector you can find.
Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC
A property inspection also involves looking at a home’s plumbing, electrical, and ventilation systems. While they won’t tear out a wall to take a comprehensive look, they can learn a lot through even cursory examination. If it’s an older home, there’s a good chance it has some wiring issues, so this is an important step of any home inspection.
Grounds and Property Inspection
A property inspection doesn’t necessarily stop at your front door. The inspector may also look at your, well, property–the land around your home. They can check for damage to your driveway and sidewalk.
Know Your Home, Inside and Out
You can learn a lot from a property inspection. An inspection can warn you about problems before purchase or alert you to issues you need to fix before selling a home. They’re useful no matter which side of the sale you’re on. If you do find issues resulting from a home inspection, you may not need to hire someone for expensive repairs. Check out the tips on our blog and learn how to make fixes yourself!
