Home Inspection 101: 11 Things To Check Before Closing The Deal

Posted On Tuesday, 22 June 2021 20:32

When buying a house, it’s not just what appears on the outside that’s important. Usually, what you see on the surface may not be exactly what you’d get. There could be molds, cracks, leaks, faulty wirings, and any other defects, which could best be discovered only through a home inspection.

A home inspection is necessary to allow any home buyer in the US to determine the conditions of the house’s major components, any possible issues of other parts, and the inspector’s recommendations. For the buyer, it could provide an insight into how the home was maintained. A home inspection would also help the interested party determine what parts of the house need to be prioritized when it comes to repairs and maintenance when they start moving in. 

A Home Inspection Checklist

Whatever state or city in the US you’re in, there’d always be the right home inspector to do the job. If you’re situated in Colorado Springs, for instance, a reliable home inspection Colorado Springs would provide a well-documented house inspection. Since their report would tell you about the home’s condition, it’d help you decide whether to close the deal or not.

However, it’s also important to have your own checklist to help with your decision-making. Here are some things to look for in a home inspection:

1. Exterior

Check if the downspouts and gutters are properly attached and if they’re draining away from the property and there’s no standing water. Try to look at the home’s siding and its condition. You may also check out the exterior paint for cracks or flakes if such issues are important to you. Cosmetic issues, however, are usually considered low priority in home inspections. Other important areas you could check out are the fence, deck, and garage. See if they don’t have any termite infestation.

2. Roof

Examine if there are missing tiles or shingles and if there are moss, dark spots, or stains on the roof. Also find out when the roof was replaced. You may also look at the chimneys and see if they’re undamaged and looks straight.

3. Foundation

Check if there are large cracks around the house. Observe if the ground near the foundation is sunken or soggy. If there are trees near the foundation, this may pose a problem in the future.

4. Doors And Windows

Try opening the windows and doors and see if they’re misaligned or can be easily opened and closed. Also check for signs of moisture in between the panes or around the frames.

5. Unusual Smells

As you get inside the home, you’d like to check for odors that indicate mold or mildew. The presence of mold could dramatically affect a home’s value because of its potential health hazard.

6. Basement And Attic

Try to look at the basement and attic and check the kind of insulation used. These parts of the house should be well ventilated, and the insulation should be in good condition. Determine if the insulation condition is still good or not. You may also want to check for signs of water damage in these places.

7. Heating And Cooling

Determine the kind of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system used and if it’s still functioning. Try to find out the manufacturing date to check how old the system is. If it’s been replaced by a new system, check if the old system is still present. The air conditioning should be working in all the rooms of the house.

8. Plumbing

Inspect if the faucets work and if there are leaks. Also check under-skin cabinets for leaking. Try to observe if the water pressure is adequate or not. If you can, also find out how old the water heater is. The tub, sinks, and shower have to drain properly. You shouldn’t see signs of leaking around the base of the shower or tub. You could also check if the toilet fills and flushes properly.

9. Electrical System

Test if the light switches are working and if the outlets aren’t grounded. Check if the house is already using circuit breakers or if it’s still using panels with fuses. Old wiring may be a fire hazard and pose a challenge to upgrade. Try to see if there are enough electrical outlets in each room. 

10. Major Appliances

Verify the condition of major appliances if they’re included in the house. Examine the washing machine, dryer, refrigerator, oven, bathroom exhaust fan, and so on.

11. Things Not Included By Home Inspectors

Although a home inspection is thorough, there are a few exclusions you should know about. A home’s landscaping, sprinkler systems, and internet service are some examples. These are considered extras to a property, and home inspectors are more concerned about the house itself and the parts that make it safe for the people who plan to move in. However, you can check these things during your visit to a house you’re planning to buy.

There are also other areas that could be excluded from an inspection, depending on the inspector. These could include flooring that’s covered by a carpet, chimney or fireplace, roof that’s snow covered, and pests. The best thing you can do is to ask the inspector to check these places or hire a pest control expert to evaluate the home. 

Final Thoughts

A home inspection is an important part of the home buying process to ensure your safety when you decide to move into the property. A home inspection report should let you know what repairs or maintenance priorities to have in place if you decide to purchase it.

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