Hiring a home inspection company to inspect a house prior to purchase can save you money. What exactly do home inspection companies look for?
Home inspectors can identify significant flaws that might need to be repaired. Even if the house looks in great shape, first impressions are often misleading.
What Are the Things to Look for When You Inspect a New House?
If your offer contains a clause requiring a home inspection, you can negotiate with the seller and get them to fix some problems or reduce the price. If the problems are too big for the buyer (for instance, a foundation in need of repair or a roof about to collapse), you can walk away with your deposit. It is beneficial to all potential buyers.
A Checklist for Home Inspectors
In a home examination, you will find a checklist of possible issues that may affect your property. We will not include all 1,600 items, but we will highlight the most important ones. If you have any special requests, please let us know during your initial consultation. This will allow us to meet your expectations and provide the results that you desire.
Grounds: Home inspectors begin by looking for water issues, such as standing puddles or improperly graded areas, and broken downspouts. The landscape is checked to see if there are any healthy trees or bushes (an arborist can provide a more detailed evaluation). They check the railings, paths, retaining wall, and outbuildings.
Structure: Is the foundation of your home solid? Are the sides straight? Are the frames of the doors and windows consecutive? This section of the inspection is important for any buyer who is considering buying an older house.
Roof: A house inspector will be looking for defects in the roof such as loose gutters, attic shingles and flashing that can lead to ceiling drips or leaks.
Exterior: An inspection of the exterior will look for signs such as rot or decay on the siding or attic as well as any brickwork or stucco in the basement. It may also check the vinyl siding to see if it is dented or bending, as well paint that has blistered or flaked.
Trim, Doors, and Windows: If you want to reduce energy costs and keep the cold out and warmth in, your windows and doors must be in working order. The inspector will verify that the glass is intact and that the caulking and frames are solid and secure.
Interior Spaces: Inspectors are concerned with leaning walls which could indicate poor construction. They are also concerned by stained ceilings, which can be a sign of water damage, inadequate insulation behind the wall, and lack of heating vents, which could lead to a drafty, cold room.
Kitchen: Inspectors check that there are no leaks beneath the sink. They also make sure that the cabinet doors and drawers work correctly. Range hood fans should vent outside. Electrical outlets located within six feet of the sink must have ground fault circuit interrupter protection.
Bathrooms: The goal is to check that the toilets flush. Check that the drains work correctly, showers spray, and tubs have been fixed securely.
Plumbing: Inspectors evaluate water heaters and pipelines. They also check the temperature and pressure of the water. They may also check for water damage in addition to plumbing issues.
Electrical System: Inspectors will check the condition of electrical panels, visible wiring, functionality of light switches, HVAC systems and the number outlets in each room.
How Can You Help the Inspector?
Before the inspection, bring up any concerns that you might have so the inspector can be on the lookout for potential problems. If the seller discloses any damage, let your inspector know in advance.
Another wise decision is to be with the inspector during the inspection. It is important to understand the new house’s systems and any potential problems. A home inspection in Palm Coast will show you the shut-off valves for the water in the plumbing, the electrical panel, and the air conditioning and ventilation switch (which may be difficult to use or that the seller forgot to show you). The inspector can explain the problem and offer a solution if he notices it. This information is also useful both before and even after you purchase the item.
Local Home Inspection Company
We are licensed, local and professional and can provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision about your home purchase.