The Importance of a Home Inspection

When purchasing a home, a home inspection is one of the most important due diligence one must do before closing. Professional home inspectors can help find defects or problems in the home and help with the best course of action. Below are six of the most common issues a home inspector finds when inspecting a home.

 

Water Water Everywhere

Home inspectors run across drainage issues a lot. Poor drainage is due to incorrect surface grading which allows water to pool up around a home. Water that does not flow away will ultimately compromise a home’s foundation. Fixing structural issues from poor drainage and trying to correct the water flow can be timely and very expensive.

Another water issue that is seen a lot in home inspections is faulty plumbing. These issues can be tricky because they can be hidden from the naked eye. Leaky pipes can be under floors or behind walls and can’t be seen. Inspectors have tools and a trained eye to search out these leaky issues.

Shocking Results

Electrical issues are common problems found in inspections. Typical problems include outdated wiring and dodgy DIY fixes. These two issues can be very hazardous for homeowners. Older homes have inadequate breakers that cannot handle modern electrical fixtures or those homes built before 1965 have a potential of being ungrounded. Some DIY jobs can potentially be fatal if done incorrectly. If a home needs to be rewired it can cost thousands before you can even live in the home.

Fear No Leaking

Home inspectors find many common problems with the roof. Replacing a roof can be very costly and cannot be avoided. A small problem such as a missing shingle can cause major issues. A home inspector will check the roof by getting up on the roof and walking it and checking the roof internally via the attic. When walking the roof, they find issues such as missing shingles or flashing. In the attic they can spot stains from current or old leaks. The majority of homes inspected have some sort of issue with missing shingles or patching. What should concern a potential homeowner is if they roof is in need of replacing.

Keeping The Temperature Balanced

HVAC hazards can really be a burden on a new homeowner. Home inspectors do a report on the heating and air condition units before closing on a home. Issues found usually include blocked chimneys, unsafe exhaust flues, broken controls, and cracked heat exchangers. These not only can cause high utility bills but also endanger the homeowner’s health.

A new HVAC system might be a smart buy when purchasing a home. Budgeting for a newer model will save in the long run. They will be more efficient and lower the cost on utility bills.

Trust the Foundation

A problem with a foundation is a big concern and can be an extremely expensive repair. Different parts of the country use different tools to inspect the foundation of a home because of the vast soil types and conditions. A home inspector can usually inspect the foundations but may suggest a registered structural engineer if there seems to be a big concern with the foundation.

Outside the First Impression

If a home looks neglected then chances are the whole home has not been taken care of. Home inspectors look for worn down weather stripping or caulk around the windows and the doors. If not properly caulked or sealed air and water can get into your home.

Remember a good home inspection can help avoid a lot of unnecessary heartache. It is always best to make an informed decision when purchasing a home.

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