According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, 84% of homebuyers include a home inspection in their purchase contract. Standard home inspectors can provide detailed reports on the condition of your dream home. However, additional inspections may be necessary depending on how old, the location, and the condition of the home.
Here are 12 home inspections to consider when buying or selling a house.
1. Roof Inspection
Examining the roof for leakages, algae, cracks, loose shingles, and general damage using handheld infrared scanners or drones can save you money every year before making any serious renovations.
2. Pests Inspection
Termites, rodents, and other pests infest and damage both the interior and exterior of beautiful homes. Moisture readings, gnawed wiring, mud tubes, moist wood, damaged wood, and droppings are some signs of pest infestation.
3. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
You want to enjoy a well-conditioned and heated house, especially because of the great weather variations that come with every season. A professional HVAC inspector looks at the system’s thermostat calibration, air filters, heat pumps, electrical connections, safety controls, and quality of installation, among others.
4. Septic Tank Inspection
Many homeowners tend to ignore septic tank inspections since they do not see them all the time. Schedule regular professional septic inspections (every 3-5 years) to avoid any health complications.
5. Foundation and Structural Inspection
Issues with the drainage system, cracks, slope, and unstable or loose adjacent ground leave your house vulnerable to damages by pests and water. A structural engineer can help detect and prevent such issues.
6. Plumbing Inspection
Visual checks or camera diagnosis of all water connections, water heaters, and pressure is crucial to ensure that everything in the water system is fully functional.
7. Pool and Spa Inspection
Your pool and spa need to be safe. Latches, fences, filters, pumps, heaters, and other electrical wires or appliances should work properly to prevent accidents.
8. Electrical Inspection
The National Fire Prevention Association points out that electricity and electrical appliances are the fourth leading cause of home fires. Inspect underground, expose, or spliced wires and electrical panels to avoid becoming a statistic.
9. Harmful Chemical Inspections
Lead, asbestos, and radon are some cancerous materials you need to look out for before buying a home. You do not want to buy a home that you won’t occupy comfortably and for a lifetime. Professional inspection for such chemicals takes time. Be patient.
10. Seawall Inspection
Owning a home adjacent to water is a blessing and sometimes a curse. You should inspect the seawall or near-water structures for elevation, stability, depth, general condition, soil properties, and levels. Professional divers conduct an underwater inspection for more detailed seawall inspection reports.
11. Mold Inspection
EPA recommends that you seek a remedy for mold as soon as you see it. However, a smelly house necessitates a professional mold inspection that costs between $200 and $600.
12. Soil Inspection
A soil or landscape analysis involves inspecting the drainage, grading, erosion, mudflows, and your dream home’s foundation stability based on the soil type. A soil inspection shields you from weather-related complications that destabilize the soil.
The bottom line…..these specialized inspections can help ensure that everything in a home is fully functional and safe.