Home Inspection Basics
Before purchasing a new home it is very important to have the home inspected by a professional. Remember, the report you get back will find faults in the home you wish to purchase, that is the point. No home is perfect and each home will have its own set of problems. The goal here is to know what those problems are before buying. Even the seller may not know all the problems so it is a good idea to have it done by a professional home inspector of your choice. Below are some key areas to pay special attention too:
- Doors and Window should be checked to ensure they are working properly and closing tightly. Check doors to see if they are still hanging correctly.
- Plumbing is important, you don’t need a big mess that comes with a high price tag to fix. Check the make sure the faucets and drains are all working properly with sufficient water pressure.
- Look for areas in the roof that need to be repaired. How old is the roof? Are there any signs of water damage or light coming through into the attic?
- The age of the furnace is importance, yes they can last a very long time but you don’t want to get stuck with one that is about ready to quit on you. Make sure it is operating properly.
- Foundation needs to be checked for cracks that may indicate shifting or leakage into the crawlspace.
- Check all electrical outlets to see if they are working properly.
- If the home has a fireplace ensure that the flue and chimney are clean, safe, and working.
Knowing what you are getting yourself into when buying a home can save you thousands of dollars and a great deal of stress and buyer’s remorse. If there are some serious issues that need to be addressed they can be done so and often times the seller will fix them if they are made aware of them.
