A Homebuyer’s Perspective: What A Home Inspection Covers

One of the most significant investments a person can make is a house. It’s like the number one goal of anyone who’s ever played Monopoly. But, when it comes to making that investment, there are many things to think about. 

You have to find the right house in the right neighborhood at the right price. Also, you have to think about how you’re going to pay for it. But before buying a home, one important thing you must do is have the property professionally inspected. All in all, it’s a pretty big decision. 

It’s imperative if you’re not from the area and don’t know what to look for. Inspectors vary in thoroughness, ability, and experience. However, a good home inspector should inspect specific home components. Here’s what it covers.

Interior Inspection

Home inspections provide a chance for homebuyers to learn about some issues with a property before making a deal. Thus, be sure to hire the best inspector with preferably top rated building inspections standing and good ratings. 

The home inspector will do a thorough interior inspection, from the roof to the basement and everything in between. Here are a few things you can expect from a home interior inspection:

Electrical

The inspector will determine what type of wiring the property has, ensure working ground fault circuit interrupters, and test all the outlets installed in the garage, kitchen, and bathrooms. Also, home inspectors will examine the electrical panel for any signs of wear and tear.

Plumbing

After the inspector has looked at the property’s wiring, they will move on to the plumbing. They will check all the fixtures in the home and the pipes leading to and from them. The inspector will also pay close attention to the water heater, ensuring it is properly installed and functioning correctly.

HVAC

Home inspectors will also check your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system to ensure proper working order. They will check the air filters, ducts, and overall system to ensure everything is up to code. If there are any problems with your HVAC system, they will let you know to get them fixed. A home inspector will also tell you about the home’s ducting system, whether there are leaks or not, and if the insulation is adequate.

Fire Safety

The home inspector will ensure that the house has the correct fire rating and that all fire safety equipment is working correctly. They will also check if any carbon monoxide or gas leaks are present. And check the smoke detectors to ensure they are all in working order.

Bathrooms

Home inspectors will examine the bathrooms, as well as provide thorough water heater repair. They will check the toilets, showers, tubs, and sinks to ensure they are working correctly. They will also look for any mold or leaks that may have formed, which could be a sign of water damage.

Exterior Inspection

The home inspector will complete a thorough exterior inspection of the property’s structure, systems, and components. It includes an examination of the roof, chimney, siding, windows, doors, trim, eaves, soffits, and porches. 

Foundation

Home inspectors will first examine the home’s foundation. They will check for any cracks, water damage, or instability. If they find any issues with the foundation, they will advise you on fixing them. 

Additionally, the home inspector will check for missing or damaged sidings and cracks in the exterior walls. And if the soil is too close to the foundation, that’s a problem too. These problems can be expensive to fix, so it’s essential to know about them ahead of time.

Roof

The inspector will also check the property’s roof for damage like leaks or missing shingles. If there is any damage, the inspector will note it in the report. The inspector will also check the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are clear of debris and functioning properly.

Carport or Garage

If the property has a carport, home inspectors will check the roof and sidewalls of the structure for any damage that may have been caused by a car. The inspector will also check the door opener, including the safety sensors. They will also ensure that the door closes properly and is weather-stripped to keep moisture and pests.

Grading

The home inspector will also tell you if the grading slopes away from the house. Water can pool up next to your house and cause damage if it doesn’t. And the only way to fix it is to install a drainage system or change the yard’s slope, which can be costly fixes.

Final Thoughts

Once you have the home inspection report, you have a few options. You can fix the problems yourself, you can hire a contractor to do the work for you, or you can try to negotiate with the seller to have them fix the problems before you close on the home. Whatever you do, make sure you get the home inspected before buying it. It could save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.