Real Estate Blog

The Importance of the Home Inspection

June 15th, 2008

The condition of real estate is different in every situation. To protect yourself
when making such a substantial investment, it is important to have a thorough
inspection by a trained professional. Make your offer to purchase property
contingent on a satisfactory home inspection, and you will avoid investing in a
money pit.

What exactly is considered “satisfactory”? Any home containing wood should
have a pest inspection, where the inspector looks for evidence of damage
caused by termites, mice, carpenter ants or other pests. This inspection is
separate from that done by the home inspector.

Your home inspector should focus on every mechanical and structural aspect of
the property. They will look for substantial cracks in the foundation, levelness of
the structure, and moisture in the basement. Water penetration is evident when
there is mold, mildew or efflorescence - a white powder that shows where water
has penetrated. High tech inspectors use lasers to see if the things are level and
specialized radon gas meters to determine if there is a radon gas issue.

The structure of the home is closely inspected. Homes rest on top of a
foundation. Floors have been installed on top of this foundation, and it needs to
be inspected to ensure that proper materials have been used. Next, the walls
might have improper framing or possible damage from water. Electrical and
plumbing systems lie within the walls, and where possible, these interior systems
are inspected for wear, out-of-code construction, and damage. Pipes are
inspected for leaks or chemical concerns such as lead or rust. Some home
inspectors test the water pressure and flow rate of the house.

The home’s electrical system is completely inspected. The inspector looks for
uncovered switches or outlets, incorrect wiring, insufficient grounding, faulty
circuit breakers, or unsatisfactory GFCI trips.

Once in the attic, the inspector should check for water damage and air leaks. The
framing is looked at to ensure that it is strong. The underside of the roof is
inspected for a good seal where vent pipes go through the roof.
On the roof, the inspector examines it for holes, loose shingles or tile, poor
flashing, or any other concern that might cause the roof to not hold up against the
elements.

Heating and air-conditioning systems are inspected for adequate flow, duct leaks,
and filter condition. Outdoor faucets are tested to be sure they work and don’t
leak or have inadequate water flow.

All appliances included with the sale of the house are examined. The hot water
heater, stove, wood stoves and any other built-in units are check for proper
function and standards compliance.
All of this information is compiled in the comprehensive inspection report that is
available to the individual or company that paid for the inspection. Inspections
benefit the buyer because they can use issues with the property as bargaining
chips during negotiations. The home inspection is also beneficial to the seller
because they then get an honest assessment of the condition of their property
and can make improvements to some items before putting their home up for sale.
The home inspection is one area where a few hundred dollars spent often saves
thousands of dollars during the purchase process.

Entry Filed under: Buying Tips