For most people buying a home it is the biggest, single investment they will ever make in their lifetime. It is then an essential factor to hire a professional home inspector to survey the desired property providing reports to the finest of details.
Congratulations, you have made an offer on the house of your dreams. Make certain to go through, in fine detail, all the important documents the seller has provided regarding the state and condition of the home.
Before purchasing, make hiring the services of a professional home inspection team a priority. The hired home inspection team should carry out services that include:
- Each room of the property professionally reviewed.
- Roofing, skylights, brickwork, and all other exterior home components inspected.
- The foundation checked for movement and sound structure.
- The home electrical system checked over thoroughly for faults.
- The current installed Heating and AC system inspected.
- The water supply tested and plumbing systems inspected.
- All attic and basement spaces inspected.
It is good practice to accompany the inspector who is carrying out your home inspection; this will allow you to see in detail the full inspection at every stage. Seeing first hand and being able to ask the questions concerning you, on the spot, will give peace of mind and confidence in the purchase. Remember you have the right to be present during the inspection, make sure to air any worries and get all your questions answered.
Some common issues and problems that a home inspection might uncover are:
- Obvious maintenance issues, such as, rotting wood on decks, new paint of coat needed, water damaged to ceilings, etc.
- Electrical Issues (small faulty fuses can grow into massive problems further down the line).
- All drainage issues need addressed even intrusions below the surface
- Leaking roofs and roofs damaged by age and weather.
- Poor ventilation, all vents within the home need to be clear of blockage and in working order.
- Failed window seals, all windows need to be checked, in case they need, resealed.
There needs to be strenuous checking for hazardous substances such as asbestos, mold, formaldehyde, lead paint and radon. As well as, all water and soil tested for contamination.
Overall, an in-depth home inspection covers 1000+ items and ranges from the foundation structure, through the home, up to the roof structure. A typical home inspection can vary in time and duration and this is dependent on the age of the structure and square footage. Prices vary, new homebuyers might end up spending anywhere between, a couple hundred dollars, dependent on house age, size, and how much has to be covered in the inspection.
