What To Look For In A Home Inspection – What Matters And What Doesn’t
Buying
Congratulations, you found “the perfect home” and now you’re going to be a homeowner! If you’ve reached this point in the home search, you’ve already been prequalified in the loan process and you’re likely more than eager to move in. Already packing up boxes, aren’t you? But, hold up a moment. Take a deep breath and let’s look a little closer. After you toast to the big news, the next step in your home buying process is the home inspection.
Purpose of a Home Inspection
Home inspections are a very important step in the home-buying process- one that could save a LOT of money (and headaches) in the long run. No buyer wants to unknowingly move their family into a money pit; an inspection will give you what you need to make an informed decision before you purchase.
What Does a Home Inspector Look For?
During this process, home inspectors look at the following things to make sure they’re in good working order:
Roof – Home inspectors will inspect that there’s no major damage with the roof since that’s a major cost that could be involved. But they’re most likely not going to climb on your roof to do it. With binoculars, they’ll visually check the condition of the shingles or tiles, outside of the chimney, skylights, flashing, roof drainage systems and overall integrity.
Foundation – Your inspector will look at the foundation and walls for cracks or water damage that could prevent serious maintenance costs down the road.
Exterior – Exterior doors, balconies, railings, walkways and driveways are typically included in the exterior inspection. They are not required to inspect fences, shutters, docks or even vegetation, so if you see a broken fence or a dead tree in the yard, you may be able to negotiate with the seller.
Electrical System – They’re not just going to make sure your outlets and lights work throughout the house, but they’ll also ensure the system is safe to use. Overrated fuses, overloaded circuit breakers and faulty connections can be a recipe for disaster.
HVAC System – One of the first thing the inspector will do upon arrival is head on over to the thermostat and turn on the air conditioning or heater to inspect installation and function.
Plumbing Systems – Room by room, the inspector will look at sinks, toilets, bathtubs and even outdoor spigots to make sure all of these function properly and are leak-free. They probably won’t look at the plumbing pipes under your sink or swimming pool, so be sure to hire a pro for a closer look.
Interior – The inspector will walk through the home to inspect walls, ceilings, floors, stairways, railings, countertops, garage doors, and windows.
Installed Systems – Installed systems includes anything that is attached to the home where its removal would require tools to do so. Some examples may include the dishwasher, garbage disposal and sump pump – but not always. Unless a major leak or smoke appears, you may consider having an appliance technician perform diagnostics.
What Should YOU Look For?
The main purpose of a home inspection is to verify standard, acceptable living conditions of the house for sale. But there are some things an inspector doesn’t actually inspect. Not every home holds dark, dangerous secrets, but the best thing you can do as a homebuyer is to arm yourself with the right information and examine your house from the inside and out, before you make an offer to purchase.
For example, take a look in the attic and basement for rotting wood and termites, listen for heater noise, and check exterior structures such as sheds.
Final Notes
Since every property is different, the specifics of what should be examined during your home’s inspection will vary slightly; take your time to choose a professional inspector that has been properly certified who will cover all the necessary areas. Just be prepared to recognize which issues are merely cosmetic and which issues should be addressed with the seller.
And if you get the inspection report back and it reveals something catastrophic like structural damage, what happens now? Luckily, buyers have the upper hand and have the right to walk away from the transaction.
Whether you’re ready to buy your first home or in the process of your third investment property, home inspections can be overwhelming. Coordinate with a trusted real estate agent who will guide you through the home buying process step by step.
