There are many reasons why you might want to have a home inspection done. Perhaps you have just found out that your home is not up to code in many ways, and you want to make sure that it is safe for everyone who is in it. In some situations, you might be trying to sell the home, and you might have to have a home inspection done for the prospective buyer. Whatever your reason for having a home inspection done, you should keep in mind that it is for the good of whoever is going to be in the building, regardless of what a hassle it might be.
If you have never worked with a home inspector before, you might have a lot of questions about what a complete home inspection entails. You might wonder, for example, what is an all-over home inspection? Are home inspectors allowed to move things? What is the average cost for inspection of a home? If you do the appropriate research, you can figure out the answers to some of these questions. It might be a good idea to ask a home inspector how the process works if you want to know more as well.
Whether you’ve chosen to buy or build a home when you move, the one thing you will need to anticipate is the home inspection. Home inspections are used to ensure that a house is structurally sound, from the roof all the way down to the foundation. This process can be confusing and even frustrating if it turns out that a home requires repairs before move-in, but an inspection is ultimately necessary to prevent problems further down the line. In some cases, the builder or original homeowner may be responsible for any damages that need fixing, but problems can still mean “buyer beware.”
If you’re wondering what your home inspector will be looking for, here are some common features of home inspections that you can expect:
1. Roof, attic, and insulation: Your inspector will look at the structure of the roof to make sure that it is intact. If the house has an attic, your inspector will make sure that it is safe. For homes with visible insulation near the roof, a home inspector will assess whether the home is properly insulated.
2. Interior and exterior elements: A home inspector will pay attention to the walls and floors of a home to ascertain that they are properly constructed. Rooms will also be inspected for leaks, especially around windows and on ceilings. Outside of the home, features such as the garage, siding, gutters, downspouts, and architectural elements like landscaping and lighting will all be assessed.
3. Plumbing: Because plumbing repairs can be costly, it is especially important to look at during home inspections. Drains and piping will be checked along with the functionality of the toilets, sinks, and showers.
4. Electrical systems: Your home inspector will check all switches, lights, outlets, and appliances throughout the home to ensure that they all work. He or she will also check a panel and circuit breakers or fuses and will also inspect visible wiring, grounding, and other features. Kitchen appliances, exhaust fans, and smoke alarms may also be tested in a home.
5. HVAC: Anything related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning will be inspected, also. Furnaces, air conditioners, thermostats, and water heaters will all be looked at and tested. Any ventilation and duct work that runs through the house will also be checked for potential issues. If the home has a fireplace and chimney, these items will also be checked.
6. Basement: Because basements are notorious places for leaks and dampness, your inspector will pay special attention to any potential issues. Musty odors may be a sign of mold or other hazards. Checking the floor and walls of a basement is necessary to assess a building’s structural quality. Your inspector may also look at the insulation, sump pump, and plumbing in the basement.
For the most part, home inspections only cover visible elements of a home. In order to test for hazards like asbestos, lead, radon, mold or mildew, termites, and rodents, you may have to call a specialist instead. A home inspection does not cover interior design features or potential aesthetic renovations, either. Remember: a home inspection may seem like a long and costly process for home buyers, but it is absolutely essential in protecting the investment of a new home. More research here: Santa fe properties
