Joshua Home Inspection is one of the most stressful parts of purchasing a home. An experienced professional will examine the entire house to identify any potential problems.
Home inspections are essential to identify any deal-breakers. You, the buyer, must be informed if there is an issue. You may choose to negotiate the price of the property or request concessions, even if you decide to proceed with the purchase.
You can attend the inspection. Some inspectors walk buyers through the entire process, so they can see for themselves any issues that may arise with their home. Do not let the seller or inspector prevent you from attending an inspection appointment.
Checklist For Exterior Inspection
Exterior is the outer layer that protects you and your belongings against the elements. This outer shell must be able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life, as well as major weather events.
The exterior home inspection is important whether you’re buying a brand new home or an old bungalow. A solid shell will support all the other systems in the house.
Roof
The home inspector will climb up on your roof as the first thing they do. The inspector will check for any damage or leaks to ensure that the roof can withstand natural elements. The inspector will check your roof for the following:
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Physical damage can cause leaks
- Water pools, damp spots, or other signs of moisture
- Uneven or sagging areas
- Debris collection
- There are areas that wear out faster than others
- The condition of gutters, downspouts and fascia
The inspector may also check above your roof to see if there are any tree branches that might cause damage in a storm. Rodents can use tree limbs as a superhighway to reach the roof.
The inspector will not be able determine the age of your roof but can give you a report on the condition.
Foundation
Home inspectors will then examine the foundation. The inspectors may crawl into your crawlspace if it exists or do a walkaround of the exterior.
The home inspector will look for cracks and signs of settlement. If the floor is angled or the doors do not close properly, they may also look for signs of foundation problems.
Inspectors also look out for water. They will take photos of signs of water damage or poor drainage, as well as pooling water. Water can damage a house in many ways. It could cause mold to grow, or it could harm the foundation. The majority of certified home inspectors document the presence of excess moisture or water.
Exterior Walls and Siding
Home inspectors will examine the exterior walls of the home when assessing the foundation. They can also give you a unique insight into how these structures look. The inspector will be looking for any signs of damage or decay, which could impact the stability of your house. The inspector will also assess the condition of paint and siding materials.
Paint peeling can make your house appear worn. Peeling paint can be an aesthetic issue, but it may also indicate other problems. If the exterior sealants and paint have worn off, water can seep through the wood siding. This water can cause mold to grow or decay on your exterior walls. Buyers should not ignore cosmetic problems.
Windows and Doors
Your windows and doors are the last part of the shell that your home inspector will inspect. When inspecting these parts of your house, your inspector will check a few different things.
- Insulation for your home should be provided by the windows and doors.
- Doors should be closed and locked securely without any gaps.
- Windows should be able open, close and stay upright on their own. This is a requirement for safety.
- The windows and doors should not be visible.
Home inspectors will also check for moisture in the frames of windows and doors. The inspectors want to know if there is a chance that the windows will leak during a thunderstorm, which could damage the frames around them. Leaking Windows can cause wood to rot and mold to grow.
Checklist For Interior Inspection
After your home inspector has completed the exterior shell review, they will move inside the house to assess the internal systems which make your home livable. Even seemingly minor problems with electrical or plumbing systems can turn into costly and dangerous issues.
Home Inspection in Canon City can help identify problems in your home and estimate repair costs.
The Plumbing
Plumbing is the first thing that the inspector will look at during the inspection. Inspectors will check for signs of leaks and issues with pipes, fixtures, or faucets. Even minor plumbing issues can add up.
Inspectors will also inspect the water heater and check its condition. They will inspect the drains of the sinks and showers while they check the ability to generate hot water in the home. Clogs are often caused by accumulation of hair and grime, but they can also be a sign that there is a bigger problem with the pipes.
Plumbing problems can cause damage to your home. Leaking water damages wood, causes mold to grow and can create unsanitary living conditions.
Electrical System
Electrical systems are also an important part of a home inspection. Electrical problems cause the majority of fires in houses across the United States.
The electrical panel is the first place most home inspectors look. They check to make sure everything is labeled and up-to-code. Panels must also have enough power to meet the needs of a household. The home inspector will check the electrical outlets and make sure that they are all working properly.
It is important to hire an expert for this part of the inspection. Home inspectors are trained to evaluate electrical systems while protecting themselves against electrocution.
HVAC System
According to the National Society of Home Inspectors it can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $12,000 to replace a HVAC system. Heating and cooling systems keep you comfortable all year round. They not only control the climate, but also your home’s humid levels.
Your inspector will evaluate the condition of the filters and ducts, as well as the HVAC unit’s age and efficiency. The inspector will check the temperature of the air in the vents and see if it is cold enough to push the cold air throughout the home.
HVAC leaks are just as expensive as water leaks. You may find that your system is running longer than necessary, which can increase your electricity bill and cool areas of the home that are not needed.
Attic Insulation
Home inspections can be sweaty, dirty and messy. If your home has an attic, the inspector will climb up there to check on the insulation. In the summer attics can become extremely hot. Insulation is the best way to keep the hot air from entering your home. Insulation will keep the cool air in your home, reducing your electricity bills.
The inspection report will confirm that your family is safe by confirming the attic ventilation. The report will also point out any signs of rodents or pests. Water damage in the attic may also be a sign of a roof problem.
Basements and Crawl Spaces
The next dirty part is entering the crawl space. These small spaces are essential for supporting your foundation and keeping water away from your home.
The professional who you hire will check for signs of water damage, moisture, mold or other moisture-related issues. Here they will also check the foundation to see if there are any structural problems or cracks.
Radon testing is another important part of a basement inspection. Radon is an invisible and odorless natural gas. If left unchecked, it can cause lung carcinoma. Radon can accumulate in basements or areas with poor ventilation. A Radon test can be included as part of your home inspection to ensure that your future house will be safe.
Home Inspection Costs are Worth it
Home inspections cost between $200 and $500, but they are worth the money. A professional home inspection is not only required by the majority of mortgage companies but also gives the buyer clear information on the condition of the house. The buyer can find out if there are any problems with the house before they buy it or plan to fix them after moving in.
You should bring your real estate agent to this appointment and have them walk you through the inspection report. You can use them to understand what was found by the inspector and how it affects the buying process. It is not necessary to be a contractor or Realtor expert to purchase a home. You can instead rely on the professionals to help you.
We can help you find an agent that will make the process of buying a house easier. They will guide you through the entire process and prepare for the home inspection. It’s not scary to read the inspection report. Understanding your new home can empower you.