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Buying a home is an exciting milestone; it’s something that usually requires a lot of hard work and will probably take a long time to achieve. When you finally reach your goal, you realize that the home-buying process is quite demanding and overwhelming (in many cases). Between dealing with the necessary paperwork and coordinating with your real estate agent about your requirements, there’s a massive amount of work to do.
Amid all that’s going on, do you know what one of the most crucial steps is? The home inspection. It’s a thorough review of the property you’re considering or interested in making an offer on. A home inspection helps you avoid nasty surprises and get the best deal possible in specific situations, particularly if you’ve really liked the place. You can also negotiate repairs.
This home inspection checklist is made for buyers considering a home purchase. We want you to make a confident decision and a sound investment, so we’ve compiled a checklist that covers everything inside and out. You’ll be prepared to handle a home inspection with our checklist and a qualified home inspector who makes sound assessments. Let’s discuss this in detail.
A home’s exterior says a lot about how the property looks. So, you should never miss examining the exterior thoroughly. This inspection includes the home’s major components that ensure structural integrity and stability. The standard home inspection cost covers the exterior and interior. Let’s see the areas that must be inspected one by one.
When you inspect the foundation, look for cracks that are visible immediately. If you find such cracks throughout the foundation, go deeper. Next, check for damaged or sloping floors and moisture near the house’s base. A problematic foundation is dangerous and expensive to repair. Your appointed home inspector should pay close attention to this.
Missing shingles and signs of wear and tear can be repaired, but fixing extensive damage might prove to be a costly affair. Roofs that seem like they could cave in at any moment are a deal-breaker unless the seller agrees to fix the roof or repay you for the repairs.
Be careful in such situations and get this clause included in your real estate contract. Verbal assurances are a big no-no in real estate deals.
A properly functioning drainage system is non-negotiable. Clogged or damaged gutters and improperly installed or sloping systems can lead to water damage. Moisture and water ingress can impact the foundation and the stability of the entire structure.
Inspect for peeling paint, warping, fading, and rotting areas. Check for mold, too. Some of these problems seem manageable, but they can hint at deeper issues with the home’s physical components.
All exterior windows and doors must open and close properly without unnecessarily pushing or pulling. Check if they are sealed well; you don’t want water creeping in when it pours outside. Plus, malfunctioning windows and doors are a security threat. They can also reduce your home’s energy efficiency.
Cracked or uneven driveways and walkways show poor maintenance and might indicate drainage problems. Hence, they need to be inspected further. They can also cause people to slip and fall.
You should never overlook landscaping. While it may seem like an external factor that doesn’t hold much weight, bad landscaping can damage the home’s foundation and impact the drainage system. A less serious problem is that it spoils the house’s general look.
If you live in Huntsville and are looking for local expertise to inspect a house you like, consider calling professionals for home inspection in Huntsville.
When you step inside, shift your attention to everything that makes life inside a home comfortable. Let’s see how an inspection helps you study each internal component.
Walls, ceilings, and floors make your home. If they are damaged, it doesn’t matter how amazing the rest of the place or the amenities seem. Cracks, stains, or warping indicate water damage and problems with the home’s foundation.
Check if the doors and windows can be operated easily. Do they get stuck? Do you need to push or pull too hard? Are the latches working? Is the alignment of the doors and windows correct? If there are cavity sliders, check whether they are functioning correctly.
Ensure staircases are sturdy and the railings aren’t wobbly. Loose stairs or parts that squeak when someone steps on the stairs can quickly become safety issues. If you have older adults or children at home, this can be even more dangerous.
A damp or foul-smelling basement is a sure indicator of water damage and foundation cracks. It may also mean improper insulation and reduced energy efficiency. When you buy property, you want your money’s worth. A musty basement is an outright expenditure.
Attics can tell you all you need to know before closing. If you’ve appointed a home inspector, they should check the attic thoroughly for signs of leaks, pests, and rodents. They must also look for insulation and ventilation issues.
Electrical systems make your life easy and comfortable. When they stop working unexpectedly, trouble comes knocking. Here are the things you must check before signing the contract:
The service panel runs your home by managing the power supply. A home inspection report should include the types, amperage, and labeling details. You should insist on getting a complete picture of the panel’s functioning and safety.
Is it enough if the switches work? No, it’s not. Electrical outlets must not be loose, sparking, or warm to the touch. Testing every outlet and switch is necessary. Request your home inspector to be thorough in this regard.
Improper or malfunctioning wiring is a fire hazard. If the wiring seems old, check if it can be replaced. Ask the seller if they are open to paying for a complete or partial rewiring based on a licensed electrician’s advice.
GFCI outlets save lives, and we’re not exaggerating. These outlets protect you and your family in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. If they’re malfunctioning or missing, draw up a new real estate contract if you can successfully negotiate with the seller about installing new ones or replacing old outlets.
Don’t underestimate the power of healthy pipes. Small leaks can make life difficult. A visible plumbing inspection is easy and helpful. Here’s what you must check:
Your home inspector will assess the pipes for corrosion. They’ll also consider the strength of the pipes based on their materials (copper, galvanized, etc.). They’ll check crawl spaces and under the sinks to see if water leaks from pipes.
No one realizes how vital water pressure is until they open a tap and a weak stream flows. Low water pressure means frustration, but it’s more than that. It indicates clogged pipes or other drainage problems.
Need hot water every day, right? Are the water heaters old, or is the tank malfunctioning? Your home’s inspection report must clearly state whether the water heaters are working correctly.
Slow drains and clogs usually go hand in hand. If multiple drains are affected, you could have a bigger problem in your potential new home. Check every drain before closing a deal.
Suspect plumbing problems at your prospective new home in Nashville? Book a home inspection in Nashville, TN, today.
If an air-conditioning unit blows hot air in the summer, you’ll want to know why. Right? A proper HVAC system isn’t a luxury. So, don’t hesitate to check the following:
Home inspectors test heating and cooling systems and check the age of a unit. They’ll also look at servicing records to see if the units have been maintained properly. No one wants to buy a house and immediately spend money on repairs.
Well-maintained air filters mean good indoor air quality. A filthy or malfunctioning filter means health risks. Don’t ignore this red flag.
Improper ductwork means reduced airflow and low energy efficiency. A professional home inspection company checks ductwork for leaks and insulation problems.
When thermostats don’t work correctly, the HVAC system also malfunctions. Check to see if every thermostat in your prospective home is functioning.
Safety features equal peace of mind for you and your family. Safety systems allow you to sleep peacefully at night because everything that matters to you is protected.
Ensure the smoke detectors installed in your prospective home meet the necessary standards and codes. Check how safe and reliable the devices are.
If you’re considering a home in Madison, AL, ask a home inspector in Madison, AL, to check its safety features.
These detectors are crucial if you use gas appliances. If they haven’t been installed, ask the seller about it. If you purchase a house without them, hire professionals to install them as early as possible.
Check if the home on sale has fire extinguishers. If not, consider having them installed. Confirm the placement; learning how to use them is highly recommended. Check the expiration dates regularly.
If installed, motion sensors, digital locks, doorbell cameras, alarms, and other security devices must work. Check the warranty on these systems.
Several appliances may be available, but are they in working order? That’s what your home inspector should check.
Test each appliance to see if it works properly. Strange sounds and smells coming from appliances indicate problems. Missing pieces or parts are also a problem.
Check the laundry area and the appliances. Are they working correctly? Check how they are connected to the drainage system. The condition of the hose, electrical connections, and plumbing will tell you everything about the quality and durability of these appliances.
Check other appliances like microwaves, garbage disposal systems, ovens, dishwashers, etc. Gather the necessary information about warranties and guarantees, and whether they have been serviced regularly.
These aspects of a home may not pop up immediately in your mind, but ignoring them is not ideal.
A reliable home inspector will look for pests and bugs, even if they aren’t visible right away. The attic, the basement, the dark spaces behind furniture, bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc., can have infestations.
Mold and mildew are health risks. They affect air quality and can cause respiratory problems. While they are a problem for everyone, ailing family members, older adults, and children are particularly at risk.
Detecting radon manually is challenging, but testing it is possible. Since high radon levels can be hazardous, testing a home for radon levels is wise.
Are you worried about radon levels in your potential new home in Scottsboro? Order a home inspection in Scottsboro, AL, and tackle problems head-on.
A home inspection is critical because buying a home isn’t about completing a transaction. It’s a decision that can impact your life sometimes in ways you cannot imagine. Your new home is your personal space that you plan to build with so much love, and nothing should mar the experience of living in it.
A home inspection checklist protects your investment. The home inspection report is a valuable guide that shouldn’t be ignored. Close a deal only after positive feedback from a professional home inspection company.
If you don’t know whom to ask about home inspection costs and services, why not ask the experts themselves? Call us, and our team will help you understand how home inspections work.
