It may feel unnecessary on a home inspection when you can observe the different parts of your house and diagnose if there is a leakage, or the roof has loose shingles, and the pavement needs some work. However, a home inspection is not a cursory diagnosis of the various problems around the house that can be spotted by the naked eye. Professionally certified home inspectors will spot the signs of leakage before it becomes apparent. A periodic home inspection is an investment that will result in large savings in terms of repair costs in the future. Here are 4 important points on a home inspection.
1. The home inspector’s checklist
A licensed inspector will check the roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and driveway. Depending on the type of roof, they will check the shingles, condition of the tiles, the underlying mat, if there are any exposed parts, water pools, and debris. Inside the house, they will inspect electrical outlets, pipe leaks, insulation, proper functioning of appliances, up-to-code wiring, operational fire, and carbon monoxide alarms, circuit breakers, and the basement and garage foundations. They will check the general condition of windows, doors, floor, ceiling, and walls. On the exterior, they will check the pavement, septic tank, and window alignment.
2. Home inspection costs
A home inspection cost varies regionally. It depends on the type of inspection being done. Annual maintenance-related home inspections have basic prices. If it is an emergency or critical home inspection after an accident, storm, or requires bringing in specialists such as structural engineers or roof inspectors, then the price will be higher. Finally, the rates also depend on the age and location of the property.
3. Good questions to ask a home inspector
Ask for recommendations on home inspectors from residents of your neighborhood or local realtors. Finding a local home inspector will speed the process and they will be more effective as they know the most likely problem areas that must be checked. Some questions you can ask the home inspector to ascertain they are the right fit for you would be –
- What type of home inspection plans do you have?
- Background of the team members
- What is covered in the package?
- Can I join the inspection?
- Can I see a sample report?
- Will you be able to help with filing insurance claims?
4. what does home inspection not cover?
A routine home inspection will be a visual inspection of the house without any prying or intervention. So, the home inspector will not check the inside walls, sewer lines, pipes, or chimneys. They won’t check behind the electrical panels, under the floor, swimming pools for pests, mold, or asbestos. If you specifically ask for a more in-depth inspection, then they will use drone technology and thermal imaging camera to see the condition of the house inside the walls.
A regular professional home inspection is important as licensed inspectors are likely to spot problems faster than residents. They will help you keep your house in good shape and safe for the long term.
