A home is one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make. To protect yourself and your money, be sure to hire a professional home inspector to review the property before you finalize the sale. This will uncover any problems that you can negotiate with the seller or back out of the deal completely. A home inspection can also help you determine the approximate age of the house’s major systems and equipment so that you know when they may need replacing, visit this page for additional details.
A good home inspector will take the time to explain his findings in detail, giving you a thorough understanding of what needs to be done and why. This knowledge will help you to budget for future maintenance, repairs and replacements.
During the home inspection, the inspector will look at the general structure of the house, including the roof and foundation, and check for any obvious signs of damage or water leaks. He will then turn to the interior of the home, examining the plumbing and electrical systems, the heating and cooling system and the air quality. He will also assess the safety of the house, looking for ground fault interrupters in baths and showers, and making sure that stairs are a safe height and made from tempered safety glass.
After the inspection, you’ll receive a written report from the home inspector. Some of these reports are very comprehensive, covering every part of the home and including many photographs. Others are shorter, with only a few checkboxes and notes. Be sure to ask your inspector for a sample report before you hire him or her, and evaluate what’s included to determine if the inspection is worthwhile for you.
The home inspection will also include an examination of the plumbing, a description of the materials used (including estimated age), a sketch of the water supply and a list of the location of the main water shut-off valve. The inspector will also look at the heating and cooling system to ensure that they are properly sized for the house and operating efficiently.
The home inspection will not provide a complete list of all issues with the house, as there are always some things that can’t be fully identified without extensive investigation or additional testing. However, a good home inspector will be able to identify major problems that would otherwise be overlooked, saving you time and money in the long run.