Home inspections can raise a lot of questions for buyers. Inspectors will be looking for a variety of issues including exposed wires, broken ground fault circuit interrupters, and ventilation problems that could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Often these issues can be addressed by the seller before closing on the property. This can save buyers from costly surprises down the road.
Exterior
As the home inspector walks around the exterior, they are looking for things like grading and drainage, evidence of water leaks in siding or roofing, proper foundation support, gutters that are clean and in good shape, and more. This is a critical part of the inspection and something that can make or break a sale.
Once the inspector is done with the exterior, they will move inside to do a more thorough inspection. Generally, this starts with the attic, but can also include other areas of the home such as the basement or crawl space. In many cases, the home inspector will ask the buyer to follow along and help with this process – so that they have an understanding of what the inspector is doing.
This can be especially helpful for first-time homebuyers as they can get a better sense of what to expect with the process and how to navigate it. Homebuyers should always attend the inspection if at all possible, as it is a great opportunity to ask questions in person and have a look through the home with an expert by their side. Home inspectors will often comb over every inch of a property and it is important for buyers to keep an eye out for potential problem areas that they might not have thought about otherwise. For example, a clogged gutter that isn’t properly routing bulk water away from the house can cause damage and lead to water leaks in the future.
Interior
Buying your first home is accompanied by a slew of emotions. You’re excited to have finally found your dream home, nervous about a new mortgage and overwhelmed by a lengthy closing process. But one of the most important steps is a thorough home inspection. Home buyers often discover problems—from a leaking water heater to slanted foundations—that home inspectors should have easily identified. It can be frustrating to settle into a new house and discover problems that cost money for unexpected repairs.
The good news is that most problems can be negotiated with the seller through the home inspection repair request process. The buyer can ask the seller to fix any issues that are deemed unsafe, structurally unsound or not functioning properly. Your home inspector will evaluate the condition of interior walls, floors and ceilings, doors, windows, fireplaces, kitchen appliances, electrical systems and more. The home inspector will also provide a report that lists any recommended follow-up evaluations, such as a plumbing inspection by a plumber.
You can prepare for a home inspection by clearing hallways and stairwells of clutter, and giving the home a general cleaning. The home inspector will need to be able to access all parts of the property, so it’s best not to restrict their movement. It’s also a good idea to get pre-approved for your loan before you schedule your appointment. This prevents you from starting the home hunting process before you know if you’ll be approved for financing, and it avoids inconveniencing the home inspector with last-minute cancellations.
Foundation
The home buying process can bring up a lot of emotions. After months of searching, finally finding a house and making an offer can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Especially for first-time buyers, the process can feel overwhelming. But with this thorough checklist by your side, getting through the home inspection should be a breeze.
Foundation inspections are a key part of the home inspection process, and it is important to understand what an inspector looks for in order to spot any potential problems before they become a serious issue. For example, small vertical cracks in the concrete foundation are usually not a concern, but large horizontal cracks or cracks that span around corners of the concrete block walls can be a sign of structural damage.
Another thing to look for is any areas of the exterior that are bulging, as this can indicate a shifting load on the foundation. The soil around the foundation should also be in good condition, and there shouldn’t be any standing water that could cause shifting of the foundation.
If you find any major issues with the home’s foundation, your inspector will likely recommend that a structural engineer be brought in to assess the situation and write a report. This additional assessment can be costly, so it is best to have these concerns addressed in the initial inspection before they escalate. This will give you a clear idea of how much this may cost, and allow you to negotiate accordingly.
Attic
If you’ve added a home inspection contingency to your offer, the seller is required by law to perform this evaluation and to make any necessary repairs before you can close on the property. But as a buyer, you can do some prep work to help make sure the inspector doesn’t miss anything important.
For example, if the attic isn’t easily accessible – because it’s covered with carpet or snow, for instance – or if it’s filled with debris, this can interfere with the inspector’s ability to assess the condition of the roof and insulation. It’s also possible that the inspector will be unable to walk on the attic floor or ceiling drywall and may not be able to reach the electrical or heating or cooling systems.
When the inspector can access the attic, they’ll likely check for a variety of issues, including:
Basement or Crawl Space
Crawl spaces are a treasure trove of deferred maintenance issues that can wreak havoc on a home. These problems include a lack of ventilation, moisture levels, pests, mold growth, and rotting wood. These are not issues homeowners should ignore, as they will progressively grow and become costly to repair.
A crawl space is a hollow area under the home, where ductwork and wiring are usually located. It is a common storage location for household items, as well. In some climates, it is impossible to have a basement due to soil conditions, so crawl spaces are the norm.
Both spaces are inspected during a home inspection. Inspectors will check for a lack of ventilation, moisture levels, and rotting or damage to the floor and joists. They will also look for a presence of mold or mildew, which may indicate that the crawl space has not been properly ventilated and insulated.
In addition to inspecting the crawl space, the inspector will look for signs of rot or moisture in the foundation walls, including cracks and efflorescence, which are caused by water penetration. They will also assess the condition of electrical and plumbing wires, as well as HVAC ductwork. These items are a part of any comprehensive home inspection. This is an important step in determining the health of your home and will help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Kitchen
The kitchen is a central hub of any home. Your inspector will look for issues related to the size and functionality of appliances, safety of outlets and switches, and more. It is a good idea to accompany your home inspector on this part of the tour so that you can see exactly what they are looking for and ask questions.
It is also common for the home inspection report to include recommendations for repairs and replacements, such as a roof that is beyond its expected lifespan or counters that are starting to crack. This can help you make a more informed decision about your purchase and negotiate with the seller accordingly.
The last thing you want to do is move into your new home and find out there are major problems that need to be fixed immediately. Getting a professional home inspection as early on in the process as possible will help prevent surprises that can put you in a financial hole. Whether you are buying an older home or a brand-new build, a home inspection will save you money in the long run and give you peace of mind as a new homeowner. If you have any questions about the home inspection process or need to schedule an appointment, please contact us! We are happy to assist.
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