Helpful Tips for Getting the Most out of a Home Inspection
A comprehensive home inspection is your best defense against purchasing a property that could become a costly home improvement nightmare. Use these 12 tips to maximize the benefits of your home inspection.
Be Present
It’s important to be present at the home inspection and to arrive with questions in mind. Pointing out any particular concerns you want the inspector to examine more closely can be beneficial. As this is the inspector’s initial visit to the property, your knowledge of any potential problems is highly valuable.
Choose a Home Inspector You Trust
Securing your own home inspector can offer reassurance during the home-buying process. While your real estate agent might suggest a list of inspectors, selecting one independently is crucial. A neutral, third-party inspector will have no allegiance to your agent, ensuring open and honest communication about any potential problems. Investing in a reputable home inspector may cost more, but it is a small price for the assurance it provides compared to the total investment in a home. For starting your search, two dependable resources are homeinspector.org and nachi.org.
Make sure to ask those important questions!
Hiring a home inspector is a smart move because they bring the necessary expertise to determine if there are any underlying issues with a property that could turn it into a regrettable investment. It’s crucial to value the knowledge and time your home inspector invests in the assessment. Yet, if anything appears amiss or the inspector’s explanations are unclear, always feel empowered to ask questions. It’s far wiser to gain clarity now than to encounter unexpected issues once the property is yours.
Get Pictures for Proof
Any competent home inspector will bring a camera along for the inspection. They will also access areas you might prefer to avoid, such as the roof, crawl space, under decks, and the attic. It’s important to ask your inspector to photograph any potential issues that arise so you can see the problems for yourself and fully understand them. Additionally, infrared and thermal cameras can provide insights behind walls and floors that would otherwise require removing drywall or flooring to inspect. Given the accessibility of this technology, your home inspector should incorporate these tools throughout the inspection, although some may charge an additional fee for this service.
Look the Home over Carefully yourself
You can learn a lot about a house just by observing it. Be sure to conduct your own home inspection and note any potential issues. Check the walls and ceilings for signs of water damage, such as discoloration or stains. Test all the light switches and outlets to ensure the electrical system is functioning properly. Take a look at the electrical panel to identify any possible wiring problems, such as new wires or old wires that are not connected. On the exterior of the house, look for drainage issues, and peeling paint, and inspect the areas around decks and porches, as well as the siding. By the time you go into your official inspection, you should have a good idea of specific concerns you’d like your inspector to pay extra attention to.
Pay Close Attention to the Roof
The roof of a home is crucial in maintaining the interior’s condition. It is also one of the most costly and labor-intensive components to replace. Determine when the roof was last replaced, the lifespan of the shingles, and whether a warranty exists. Ensure that your home inspector climbs onto the roof for the inspection (if it is safe), as ground-level observations are limited. Be vigilant for signs of curling or missing shingles, and inspect areas around chimneys, vents, or skylights for water intrusion. Additionally, check the attic for water damage if it is accessible.
Look for Cosmetic Repairs
Freshly painted walls and new flooring often indicate a homeowner’s care for the property they are selling. However, these updates can also serve as cosmetic disguises for deeper issues. Be wary of any questionable repairs, such as patches on only a portion of the floor or fresh paint on just part of a wall, and request that your inspector examines these areas thoroughly.
Test the GFCI’s
GFCI outlets are required by building codes in areas exposed to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. A qualified inspector will be adept at testing these outlets. Malfunctioning or inoperative GFCI outlets may indicate more significant electrical issues.
Take a Peek in the Attic
A properly maintained attic is vital for home protection. If a home inspector can access the attic without damaging the insulation, it can reveal much about the house’s condition and any modifications or repairs. A common issue found during inspections is the incorrect venting of bathroom fans into the attic instead of through the roof, which can lead to mold, rot, or other serious problems due to moisture accumulation. Moreover, this practice is not compliant with building codes. It’s advisable to have your inspector look for air leaks in the attic. Although such leaks can be repaired, their presence may indicate underlying problems with insulation, moisture, and mold.
Test the Plumbing
A drop in water pressure or a slow drain may signal significant plumbing problems. Testing bathtubs and shower bases for leaks is essential. Additionally, it’s beneficial to have a home inspector examine the water main and shutoff valves and to understand their locations before taking ownership of the house.
Water Heater and Furnace
In addition to ensuring the furnace and water heater are functioning correctly, it’s important to determine their age and the date of their last service. Since replacing a furnace or water heater can be expensive, if there’s a possibility that either may require replacement soon, this should be considered when making your offer on the property. The condition of the furnace filter can also provide insights into the level of maintenance; a filter that clearly needs replacement may indicate other neglected maintenance issues.
Check the Basement
An unfinished basement can reveal much about the state of the house and its foundation. Inspect for cracks, evidence of repairs, and water damage. While a crack in the slab or wall doesn’t necessarily spell trouble, comprehending the cause of the crack is crucial. A home inspector can determine whether there’s a need for additional evaluation by a structural engineer.
