Nearly three-fourths — 72 percent — of homeowners in the U.S. agree that a home inspection was an important part of the home buying process and that it helped them to avoid serious future problems.
Are you getting ready to schedule an inspection of the house you’re considering buying? Or, is your house about to get inspected before you can sell it?
Whichever side you’re on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or nervous before a home inspection. The more you know, though, the less anxious you’ll feel.
Read on to learn more about the importance of quality home inspections and what to expect during the home inspection process.
Importance of Home Inspections
First things first, let’s go over the reasons why home inspections are some important.
Home inspections provide buyers with a lot of useful information about the house they’re considering purchasing. They help the buyer to avoid common problems before they make a big, life-changing investment.
They also let the buyer know that everything is up to code. If the house (or certain aspects of the house) wasn’t built to code, it will be the buyer’s responsibility to fix and finance those issues later on.
Home inspections also help sellers know what areas of their house they need to fix to increase their chances of selling their house at the price they’d originally planned.
What’s Included in Quality Home Inspections?
Clearly, it’s a good idea to get a home inspection before buying a house. What kind of issues does a home inspector look for, though?
A quality home inspector will be sure to address the following items while they’re walking through the house:
Home Structure
Home inspectors will consider a home’s foundation and attic and look for common issues like cracks and signs of water damage.
They may also assess the roof trusses to make sure they’re up to code in areas that are prone to hurricanes.
Inspectors examine falls and floor cracks, too, as well as areas where the floors are separated from the baseboards. They may address the ceilings, too, and look for signs of water damage, especially in areas near electrical fixtures.
Exterior Faults
Inspectors will look carefully at issues with the exterior of the home, too. This includes identifying broken seals or areas where additional caulking could be beneficial.
Inspectors might address broken seals on glass, areas where the steps are deteriorating, or issues like cracks in the deck. They will test the garage door, too, to ensure it’s working properly.
Heating and Air Conditioning Symptoms
An inspector will take a look at the home’s heating and air conditioning systems as well to ensure they’re working as they’re supposed to.
They’ll examine the supply pipes, too, to check for corrosion.
If a home has a chimney, the inspector will check to make sure it is clear of bird nests and has a sound chimney frame.
Plumbing Issues
Plumbing issues are a top priority for all quality home inspectors.
Inspectors will check the pipes and make sure drains, vents, and waste systems are in good working order and aren’t showing any signs of mineral deposits.
They’ll check water ingress and egress, too, along with interior fuel and water distributors and sump pumps, if they’re present.
Some inspectors even test the water to make sure it’s free of bacteria.
Electrical Issues
A quality inspector will take a good look at the home’s electrical system as well.
They’ll make sure all components fit and operate safely.
They’ll test the conductors, distribution panels, and grounding equipment, too, and look for the presence of functioning carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
Roofing Issues
Home inspectors will usually take a look at the roof, too, to check for obvious signs of damage like loose or missing shingles or flashing.
They’ll look for debris in the gutters and proper functioning drains as well. They’ll also take note of tree limbs that touch the house and might be a threat.
Insulation and Ventilation
Home inspectors often examine insulation in crawl spaces and attics.
They may check under-floor insulation, too, if they can access it through the basement, and they’ll check to make sure all the venting fans are in good working order.
Appliances and Interiors
Finally, inspectors will examine the appliances in the house to make sure they all work properly.
They’ll take a look at other internal elements, too, such as the doors, stairways, counters, and cabinets. If anything is in disrepair or presents a hazard, the inspector will take note of it.
Preparing for a Home Inspection
Quality home inspections take time — after all, there’s quite a bit for a home inspector to look at during their visit.
Whether you’re a home buyer or a seller, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the inspection process and get the most out of it.
Tips for Sellers
Sellers should make sure their house is clean prior to the inspection.
They should leave all the utilities connected and trim back any tree limbs that are too close to the house.
They ought to make sure the inspector has access to all areas of the house, including the garage. They should also clear space around the water heater and furnace.
Tips for Buyers
Buyers are allowed to be present during the home inspection process.
Be sure to bring a notepad and pen to take note of any issues you notice during the inspection. Remember that you’re allowed to ask questions, too.
It’s a good idea to ask questions about the roof, insulation, and other key elements. It’s also more than okay to ask for clarification if you want to know more about what the inspector is addressing.
Schedule a Home Inspection Today
A home inspection is a very important part of the home buying process.
It’s especially important to make sure you’re working with the right home inspector — someone who prioritizes quality home inspections.
If you’re buying a house in the Northeast Ohio area, contact us at CLASS Home Inspections today to learn more about our services or to go ahead and schedule an inspection.
You can use our helpful online scheduling tool to choose the date and time that works best for you.