How heartbreaking would it be to buy a house just to find that there is major structural damage that will break the bank? So many people have tried to outsmart the system and have moved into their dream home only to find that it’s much more costly than originally thought.
What do home inspectors look for? Well, everything.
There’s a long list of things that home inspectors examine when they do a home inspection. While you may be tempted to check these items yourself to save money, it’s best to have an expert on the job. Even if you consider yourself a handy person, there are a lot of components of the inspection that you may not be familiar with, like electricity or plumbing.
Read on to find out why it’s so important to have a home inspected by a professional.
What Do Home Inspectors Look For?
A home inspection is usually done when you’re buying or selling a house. A buyer may get an inspection so they can see what problems the house has before purchasing. The seller may want to do an inspection before putting the house on the market to see if there are things that should be fixed before selling.
During the inspection, the home inspector will look at every aspect of the house to evaluate its state and to see if there’s any damage. This is done so that everyone gets a fair look into the possible problems the house has.
The job of a home inspector is pretty extensive as they have a whole checklist of things to explore. They’ll cover structures to infestations to electricity and everything in between.
Water Damage
Water damage may not sound threatening, but it’s actually the worst thing you can find in a house. Water damage can cause a plethora of serious issues, many will be expensive fixes or deal-breakers for new buyers.
Not only can water be a sign of structural damage to the property, but it can also create hazardous mold. Mold exposure is linked to respiratory illness and headaches. Besides being unhealthy, mold removal is expensive.
While you may be able to identify areas that have water damage like a musty smell or a water spot on the ceiling, but it can be hard to find out exactly where that water came from. Common causes of water damage include structural cracks, roof leaks, plumbing problems, or poor seals.
HVAC Problems
Heating and air conditioning are often a necessity, depending on what part of the country you’re in.
The home inspection will look at all HVAC components to make sure they are running smoothly. Any issues that the home inspector finds should be addressed by an HVAC professional. Most buyers will want this addressed before moving in.
Roof Condition
The roof is an essential part of the home inspection. The roof helps protect the rest of the house from the elements.
The inspector will look for signs of possible roof problems such as, missing or worn down shingles, soft spots on the roof, cracks, and mold and moisture in the attic.
Roof damage may lead to water issues or infestations, so it’s not just the structure you need to worry about. Infestations aren’t inviting for potential buyers, and water issues can be costly.
While a roof is a good investment that can last up to 25 years, it is pretty expensive to install a new one. If you’re planning on listing your home, you should still get your roof repaired before you list your house as it is a major deterrent for buyers.
Pests or Potential For Infestation
The home inspection mostly looks at physical components of your home’s structure and systems, but the inspector will also look for signs of pests, as well as the potential for infestation.
Very few people would want to purchase a house that is infested with cockroaches or fleas, so if you have suspicions of pest activity, it’s time to call pest control. Not every infestation is obvious, and it may take an expert to be able to identify an issue.
Plumbing Plights
Plumbing is another common issue that can be costly when it comes to repairing and replacement.
The inspector will assess the pipes, toilets, baths, and faucets. Unfortunately, if you have a plumbing problem, you may have water damage as well.
Structural Issues
The foundation of the house is, well, the foundation. Everything is built onto it and the house’s stability and structure depend on it.
While foundations aren’t meant to move around, weather conditions and time can cause the foundation to settle and crack.
When the home inspector is looking at the house structure, they will look in the basement or crawl space, as well as all walls, and the attic. They’ll look both inside and outside to evaluate any damage. The inspector will look to see if there are uneven floors, cracks around door frames, leaning stairs, any structural gaps, as well as the chimney and fireplace if the house has one.
In some situations, the structural damage is minimal and won’t get in the way of purchasing or selling a home. In other cases, the damage can be so severe that the sellers need to fix it before putting it on the market or signing it over to the new owners.
Electrical Troubles
Having the inspector check the electrical system is vital when looking to buy a new home. Not only does electricity power everything around us, but electrical systems are also one of the leading causes of house fires. Your safety might just rely on this inspection.
Since there is such a high risk of personal injury and damage to the house, if your home inspector identifies any electrical issues, you should have an electrician look at it as soon as possible.
The house may need to be rewired. Older homes have a wiring system called Knob and Tube Wiring that isn’t safe anymore and buyers may request that they are rewired before purchasing.
If a home inspector notices an electrical issue in the house, ask your real estate agent to recommend an electrician to come out and take a look at the problem.
The inspector will examine any exposed wiring, breaker issues, panels, and outlets.
Need a Home Inspection?
Before you wondered, what do home inspectors look for when they investigate a house? Why is it important to hire an expert for the job? Now you know that it’s best to have a professional evaluate exactly what needs to be done to get the house into the ideal shape.
If you’re looking for an affordable home inspector you can trust in Northeast Ohio? Class Home Inspection is up for the job. Schedule an inspection today to get started!