In a competitive market, buyers sometimes waive home inspection contingencies when offering. But a home inspection could save you thousands of dollars and copious buyer’s remorse later.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your house inspections. Be sure to declutter to let the inspector move freely throughout the property.
Exterior
A house’s exterior is the first thing potential home buyers see, so it must be in good condition. If a buyer discovers that the body is in poor repair, they may be less inclined to buy the property or request a lower price than it might have been worth.
A home inspector’s standard of practice requires them to inspect all readily accessible components of the exterior, including the roof, walls, windows, doors, and trim. The inspector will look for damage, such as rot or rust. They will also examine the wall-covering materials (brick, stucco, wood) and look for proper installation. In particular, they will ensure sufficient clearance between the wood siding material and the ground and between the bottom of the wall covering and the soffit, fascia, and vents.
In addition, the inspector will look at the walkways, driveways, and stairways. They will check to see if they are safe and stable and whether or not there is adequate lighting to ensure their safety. They will also look for signs of surface drainage problems, such as pools of water or eroded areas.
Interior
Regarding the interior, the inspector will check for issues such as the condition of floors and walls; ceilings; doors and windows; plumbing; heating, electrical, and roof. The house inspections inspector may also check for radon, asbestos and lead. A standard inspection will also cover the attic’s ventilation, fireplace, and chimney.
A home inspector will be able to point out any damage to the property over time, such as water stains, warped or bowed flooring and cracks in the walls. They will also be able to point out any potential problems that could arise in the future, such as a sagging or leaky roof. These are things that buyers should be aware of, as they could affect the value and safety of a property.
Inspectors will not be able to fully assess the condition of a property if specific areas are inaccessible or unsafe, such as those with locked doors or tenants’ belongings in the way. If a problem is found that is so severe that it would render the property unfit for habitation, the buyer can back out of the deal.
The homeowner is not required to attend the inspection, but it is usually a good idea. This will allow you to ask questions and discuss the issues raised by the inspector in real time, which can lead to more in-depth information than what is provided in a report.
If you choose to attend the inspection, try to keep your questions to a minimum to not distract the inspector from doing their job. It is also essential to be there to see any damage first-hand to get a better idea of the severity of the issue and what the cost will be for any repairs.
Foundation
While anyone can see hairline cracks in a foundation, it takes a professional to understand the physics of the damage and provide solutions for repairs. The best home inspectors will be certified structural engineers with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering. Licensed by your state’s board, they can give you the peace of mind to make an intelligent home purchase or sell.
During a foundation house inspections, the engineer will walk around the house, checking out key areas critical to a solid foundation. They will look for places that bulge, as these indicate an uneven load on the substructure walls, which can cause severe damage. They will also check for water damage in the concrete and any sagging in the crawl space or basement.
The engineer will take a detailed interview with the homeowner and a thorough tour of the property and its surroundings. They will use a level to test the slope of floors and measure floor elevations, looking for correlations between these and damage or issues.
A complete home inspection can also include a radon testing service, which is an important safety issue for those living there. This will help ensure that your home’s radon levels are below the federal guidelines and are not a threat to your family.