Buying a house can be an exciting time, but nothing can take the wind out of your sails faster than realizing post-closing that you’ve purchased a heap of junk. Save yourself the trouble by identifying any problem areas before the closing. Make sure to get these five inspections done before the house becomes yours.
Test for Radon Gas
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas. High concentrations of it in your home can be a cause of lung cancer; about 21,000 people die annually from radon-induced cancer. Before purchasing a home, have the radon levels professionally tested. If the results come back high, a radon reduction system can be installed. The cost for this will vary depending on the home’s structure.
Check out the HVAC System
For a home to be comfortable, a faulty heating or air conditioning system must be replaced or repaired right away. For this job, it is best to hire an HVAC expert like Aggressive Mechanical Contractors, Inc. rather than a general home inspector. An HVAC pro can disassemble the unit to diagnose problems and provide an accurate overview of repair or replacement costs.
Inspect the Foundation
A strong foundation is critical to the structural integrity of a home. A foundation inspection will tell if the foundation is faulty. Not all cracks are a cause for serious concern; a foundation specialist can tell the difference. Major problems may require extensive repairs.
Look for Pests
Pests are both annoying and destructive. Termites, mice, carpenter bees and other critters can ruin the structure of a home. A professional pest specialist will look for evidence of insect and animal infestation and can also check out whether any types of fungus have affected the building.
Ensure that the Roof Is Sound
A roof inspection will provide details on the condition of the roof, such as what repairs are needed or how much longer the roof should last. The inspection will evaluate the flashing, gutters, caps, shingles and more. If the seller can provide a current roof certification, you may be comfortable skipping this inspection.
Don’t skimp on the cost of inspections before closing on a new home. If problems are detected, they may be repairable, or you may choose to walk away from the purchase. Taking the time to get inspections and think through their findings can save you a good deal of heartache down the road.
