Are you dreaming of the day you become a homeowner? Have you been saving and planning to achieve the great American dream?
Finding the perfect house is part of the process of achieving this dream. Once you’ve found the house, how do you know it doesn’t come with hidden secrets and problems?
In 2019, over 700,000 houses were sold in the US, making this question reality for many. Nobody wants to find their perfect house only to realize too late it has a host of problems.
Most homebuyers have a home inspection done before they sign on the dotted line. Now, you never want to hear bad news about the house of your dreams, it might be even worse if you get bad news and it’s already your house.
While no house inspection can offer you definitive information or guarantees about a potential house, it can provide you with valuable information based on experience and careful inspection.
Read on to learn about some of the house problems you can learn about from having a home inspection done before you buy.
Heating and Cooling
When you become a homeowner you want to paint, plant flowers and maybe buy new furniture. You definitely don’t want to spend money buying a new furnace, especially unexpectedly.
The home inspector will evaluate the HVAC system and look for signs of failed maintenance or care. They can evaluate how old the system is and listen and look for warning signs that heating and cooling could be a problem in the house.
Electrical
The home inspector will definitely take a look at the electrical in a home. The age of the home tells a lot about the electrical.
The inspector will check outlets and switches throughout the house. They will look at the breaker box and how the wiring looks.
Since damaged or faulty wiring is a real fire hazard, they will look for potential issues with the wiring, and warning signs it could be a problem in the house.
Plumbing
The plumbing inspection will include drains, vents, and waste systems. When the inspector looks at the plumbing they want to see if there are any signs of leaks, even ones the homeowner might not be aware of.
These can be leaks found around the base of toilets and faucets. They will look closely under and around sinks for signs of water damage that might indicate a potential leak.
They will evaluate drains to make sure water drains properly and there is no indication of faulty pipes in the house.
Water Heater
You don’t want to become a homeowner then immediately get a cold shower because your water heater has died on you. The average life expectancy of a traditional water heater is around 12 years, while a tankless water heater can last up to 20 years.
The home inspector can look for signs that the water heater is advancing in age and could be a potential problem soon. Signs of leaking or rumbling noises indicate it’s nearing the end of its life.
Roof
When a homebuyer looks at homes, they study as closely as can be, yet they will have a hard time getting the full picture on the status of a home’s roof.
The home inspector will get up on the roof and look around. They will look for faulty shingles, sags in the roof, and curling shingles. The inspector knows how to recognize weather damage in the roof.
They will also look at gutters and drainage from the roof to see if there are potential problems.
Windows
Since windows can be a costly repair, this is another spot the home inspector will look at closely. The inspector will evaluate the age and condition of the windows.
They will open and close the windows. In some older homes, windows have been painted shut or are very drafty.
They will look to see if any window panes are loose or broken. Also, the inspector will evaluate the window hardware to see if it’s in good working order. Does it open, close and lock easily?
Grade and Drainage Issues
Grade and drainage issues are another issue homebuyers might have a hard time seeing with their naked or inexperienced eye. The inspector will look to see if they grade slopes away from the house. Are there spots where water could come into the house?
The inspector will look around basements and in crawl spaces to see if there are signs of water damage because of drainage problems.
Structural Concerns
Structural concerns are a big deal when buying a house. The walls and roof depend on the core structure to be sound to keep the house intact.
Cracks in the foundation are obvious signs there is a potential problem. The inspector also knows to look for signs like sloping floors or even doors that won’t properly close. These are signs that the house is shifting and there are potential structural issues.
Insulation and Ventilation
One thing the inspector will do if possible is to get into the home’s attic and evaluate the insulation. Poor insulation can lead to higher heating bills.
So, they will evaluate the amount and condition of the insulation. They will also look at the home’s fascia around the roofline and gutters. This is important for proper ventilation of the home.
Maintenance Concerns
Homes that have not been maintained well could have hidden problems. The home inspector is going to look for signs and wear and tear the show the house has not had regular proper maintenance.
You know your car lasts longer and works better with regular maintenance. The same is true for a house that has had routine maintenance on the furnace, exterior, and interior surfaces.
Avoid House Problems With Home Inspection Results
Help avoid unexpected and costly house problems by getting a home inspection before you buy a house. You don’t want to become a homeowner and get an expensive surprise repair to come your way.
If you are ready to buy a house, contact us today to set up your detailed home inspection. Let us help you find the secrets hidden in and around your potential new home.