Home buying can be an exciting process, but it also comes with a lot of worries and fears. That being said, if you’re reading this article, then you probably know that there’s no reason to worry. You know that your home is in good hands because you’ve taken the time to find a reliable home inspector who will help you through the inspection process so that nothing is left unseen.
However, if you’re like most people who are about to buy their first home and are feeling anxious about it, then chances are that you don’t know much about how a home inspection works or what your inspector is looking for when they perform one on your new home. Here are 5 things that your home inspector will be checking during the inspection process:
What’s a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is really a comprehensive process that covers everything from the roof to the foundation—and even the electrical system.
The inspection itself takes place when the buyer and inspector both agree on a mutually-agreed-upon date, which is usually after a house has been listed for sale and before it’s officially sold.
During this process, your inspector will be checking for problematic things like termites and water damage, as well as general information about the house such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether there are any structural issues, or if any systems or appliances need servicing.
Your inspector will also use this time to talk with you about what you are looking for in a new home. In doing so, they will help you avoid purchasing something that doesn’t suit your needs or isn’t within your price range.
What to Expect During a Home Inspection
1. Structural
2. Roofing
3. Plumbing
4. Electrical
5. Interior
If your home inspector is checking the structural integrity and the roof, then they’ll be looking for any signs of damage or leaks on the ceiling, walls, and floors. If they find any damage, they’ll point it out to you so you can have it fixed before making a purchase. They’ll also check for any signs of mold or dampness on the ceilings because these are signs that there might be a leak somewhere in your home that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The inspector will also check the roof for any missing shingles or other indications of damage like cracks or holes, which could indicate that there has been a major storm recently or that there might be something wrong with your roof altogether (like water damage).
Check for Foundation Damage
First, your home inspector will check the foundation to make sure that it doesn’t have any damage. This could be caused by a lot of things, including soil erosion or water damage. If there is any damage on the roof or walls, then that’s also something that your home inspector will check for and note on their report as well.
Secondly, they will look at the floor to make sure that it isn’t cracked or damaged in any way. This usually results from tree roots growing inside the foundation and pushing against the outside walls. If you see anything suspicious while they are examining the floors, they will mention it on their report as well.
Next, your home inspector will inspect all of the wood in your home to make sure that it hasn’t warped or warped too much due to moisture or weathering over time. They may also note anything damaged if they find anything out of the ordinary during this inspection process too.
Lastly, your home inspector will also take a look at all of the siding on your house to make sure that it isn’t peeling up and compromising its structural integrity or being worn from weathering over time too.
Check for Leaks in Your Roofing System
If you live in the northern United States, then you know that winter is around the corner and snow is always on the horizon. The point of this is to remind you that if your roof has a leak, it’s likely that your home will be a real mess in no time. Your inspector will check for leaks in your roofing system and determine whether or not they can recommend any repairs or replacements. If there are issues with your roof, then you might want to consider getting an estimate from another contractor rather than trying to fix them yourself.
Check the interior including appliances and mechanicals
Once completed on the exterior, one of the things your home inspector will do is check the interior, which includes appliances and mechanicals. They are checking to make sure that your home is in good shape and that it has not been damaged by a leak or some other incident. They will be checking for any issues with the heating and cooling systems, as well as the water heater.
Check the windows and doors throughout the home
Your home inspector will check the windows and doors. They’re looking for any signs of water infiltration, which could mean that the window is failing and needs to be replaced. If they spot any signs of this, then they’ll be sure to let you know and to fix it right away.
Also, they’ll be looking for an infrared thermometer so that they can ensure that there are no hidden dangers near the heating or cooling systems. The inspector will also check the plumbing, so that you don’t have something leaking into the walls while you’re not home or while someone else is at home. If there are any structural problems with windows and doors, then the inspectors will point them out to you as well.
Check the electrical system
Your home inspector will be checking for wiring, switches, and outlets to ensure that they’re all in working order. They’ll also check for potential fire hazards like loose wiring or outdated systems such as knob and tube wiring. The inspector will also thoroughly check the electrical panel for any double tapped breakers or improper wiring which can pose a fire hazard.
Wrap Up
Home inspections are great for helping you feel confident about the home that you’re about to buy. The inspector will be checking all of the important items, like the roof and electrical system, so that when you walk into your new home it’s a safe place to live.