When it comes to purchasing a home, the term "Buyer
Beware" is true. This is why it's crucial to get a house inspection. Many
people are unsure whether or not they need to be present for the home
inspection. It's not required, but I strongly suggest it. You'll want to make
sure you get everything perfect when buying a house because it's one of the
most significant expenditures you'll ever make. The following are some
important questions to ask your home inspector.
What qualifications do you (the home
inspector) possess?
Inquire about their qualifications to ensure you're hiring
the right person to conduct your home inspection. Is there a professional
organization to which they belong, and if so, what training and credentials do
they require? What credentials do they have? Will they be covered by insurance?
How long have they been conducting house inspections? Before becoming a house
inspector, what did they do? During the inspection, your house inspector should
be aware of any red flags. They should be able to provide you with answers to
your inquiries as well as advice. As a result, do your homework and hire the
most qualified individual for the job.
What is the roof's current condition?
Inquire about the shingle quality when your home inspector is
inspecting the roof. Are there any bucklings that have gone missing, or are
there any bucklings that have gone missing? Isn't there a downspout on the
roof? Do the gutters have a pile of asphalt granules? Is there any wear and
tear visible? If this is the case, the roof may need to be replaced.
Because roof replacement is costly, you can always recommend
that the sellers rebuild the roof or ask for a price reduction to compensate.
Is your house properly insulated?
Your heating and cooling costs will be affected by the
efficiency with which your property is insulated. To keep heat from escaping
the house, the attic should be effectively insulated. The insulation should
have an R-Value of at least 60 (the R-Value is a measurement of an insulating
material's ability to resist heat flow; the greater the R-Value, the better it
can insulate). Is there any form of insulating material installed? If
vermiculite insulation contains asbestos, it can pose a major health danger if
disturbed. Is there adequate ventilation in the attic? Is there adequate
insulation in the basement? Proper insulation and ventilation can help prevent
mold and mildew growth in the home.
What is the status of the electrical
system?
Because electrical fires are so common, your home inspector
should evaluate your electrical system. Is it up to the task? Is there anything
that need replacement? Was the electrical work done by a licensed electrician
if there were any renovations? Is it a control system with switches and tubes?
If the electrical is knob-and-tube, some insurance firms will refuse to insure
the house or would demand a higher price. In locations with water, such as the
kitchen, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor spaces, are there GFCI outlets? Is it
possible that some cables have been exposed or damaged? To protect the home and
the people who will be living there, make sure the electrical system is safe.
What's the status of the plumbing?
Drains, water heaters, pipelines, water pressure, and
temperature will all be examined by a home inspector. Flush the toilets if
you're with your inspector during the inspection to see how they work. When the
toilet is full, is the water turned off? What is the flow of water from each
faucet? Is everything draining properly? Are the tubs suitably secured? Any wet
spots on the ground or ceiling should be noted by your house inspector because
they could signal a plumbing problem. Inquire about any galvanized steel pipes
in the home, as they can corrode and cause water pressure to drop or even
rupture. Is there a lead pipe in the house somewhere? This is common in older
homes, but lead pipes can corrode with time, allowing hazardous lead to
infiltrate the water supply.
Is the structure of the house sound?
The foundation of the house will be assessed by a home
inspector. Inquire about any fractures that have been discovered. Determine the
type of foundation cracks found: step, vertical, horizontal, along walls, or on
the basement floor. Inquire about the crack's size. If a dime fits inside the
fracture, a second assessment from a foundation specialist or structural
engineer is certainly required.
What is the current state of the air
conditioning?
The home's heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system
(HVAC) will be inspected during the inspection to ensure that it is in working
order. Inquire about the age and estimated lifespan of the air conditioner. Has
the furnace been serviced and maintained properly? Any routine maintenance that
has been performed on the machine should be documented.
What is the state of the outdoor
drainage system?
Ask the inspector about drainage and grading as you go around
the outside of the house. Is there any standing water on the ground? This could
be a sign of a water problem. If you discover any improper grading near the
home's foundation, consult an inspector to see if it's a cause for concern.
Does it appear like any downspouts are missing? Is it true that all downspouts
are directed away from the house's foundation? Foundation problems can be
caused by poor drainage and grading.
Is there anything that looks like
mice or other animals?
Mouse droppings or other indicators of unwelcome visitors may
be discovered by your home inspector. If an infestation is suspected, inquire.
Mice and other rodents can wreak havoc in homes and represent a threat to one's
health.
So, how do we proceed from here?
Your home inspection is over, and you've gotten a copy of the
results. Right now, the most important thing you can do is read it. Check to
see if you've grasped everything there is to know. Obtain the inspector's
contact information and ask as many questions as you require. If the inspector
suggests that you perform additional inspections, such as the furnace or
plumbing, go ahead and do so. Make sure you have all of the information you'll
need to make an informed decision about your future residence.