Buying A Home: What do home inspectors evaluate?
You have finally found the perfect home. Before you jump into closing the deal, it is important to get a home inspection. This may seem like another hurdle slowing down the process, but it can save you a lot of money and stress in the end.
What is a home inspection:
A home inspection allows for the buyer to get a good idea of what kind of condition the home is in. A professional home inspector will come in and look for any signs of damage, or potential issues in your home. While the home may look like it is in excellent condition, there could be some serious issues hidden that you cannot see. can also be used for negotiations if any issues are found.
If any issues are found, then you can present the seller with your findings and try to renegotiate for a lower price or have them fix the issues.
As a buyer, you get to choose who does your home inspection, so it is important to find someone honest and reliable. Your real estate agent can give you recommendations and help you through the process.
What do home inspectors look for?
A home inspector has a list of 1600 potential problems they are on the lookout for. If you notice any potential problems it is a good idea to point them out to your inspector, so they can pay extra close attention. Here are some of the main areas inspectors are looking at.
Foundation
The foundation of the home is very important in supporting the structure of the building. Most inspectors will start by examining the outside of the home. Inspectors are looking for any kind of cracks or sloping since these suggest potentially hazardous structural issues.
Additionally, they are looking for any signs of mold as this would affect the strength of the foundation. If there are issues found with the foundation, then some buyers might choose to walk away since repairs can be costly.
Roof
If the conditions allow for it, then the inspector will go on the roof and assess for any damage. Missing shingles and flashing are common issues they look for. Issues with the roof can lead to leaking and other problems. A roof in poor condition would likely need to be replaced which is a very expensive repair.
Plumbing
Issues with plumbing can be extremely expensive if left untreated. A small leak can quickly create serious water damage that will be very expensive to repair. Home inspectors will check all sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and anything else that is connected to a water source.
Electrical Systems
It can be hard to determine if there are electrical issues in your home if you do not know what you are looking for. Home inspectors check all wiring to ensure that everything is up to code. Many older homes have wiring that is unsafe and could potentially lead to a house fire.
If you are looking to buy a home, then contact The Gilson & Sikora Real Estate Group. This group of professionals has years of experience in the industry and can help you navigate the market.
