5 Things You Should Make Sure to Check as Part of Your Home Inspection

Congratulations, the seller has accepted your offer on a home. The next step is the home inspection, which may be a little nerve-racking. No one enjoys being faced with the realities of what is wrong with a home they have fallen in love with, but this is an important step to ensure you know what you’re getting into. Be certain to check these five things.

Appliances

Your home inspector should check all of the appliances in the home to make sure they are operational. These are mostly located in the kitchen, such as the stove, oven, dishwasher and refrigerator. The HVAC system and included laundry machines should also be inspected to ensure they are in good working order. Take note of the ages of the appliances and plan on replacements accordingly.

Electrical System

It is of particular importance to check the electrical system if the house was built decades ago. Old homes are often grandfathered in to modern electrical safety standards so even if a property has been deemed up to code that doesn’t always mean it is as safe as it could be. Even in newer homes you should confirm that electrical systems have no defects, as these systems are a major cause of house fires.

Roof

The roof is one of the most expensive parts of a house to repair and replace, so it should come as no surprise that it is an area that should be inspected thoroughly before purchase. Find out how old the roof is and any issues it might have. A roofing contractor, such as Island Roofing, can provide answers if you have specific questions or concerns.

Water

Whether part of a home’s plumbing system or as related to foundation issues, home inspections should check carefully for current or potential water-related issues. For example, plumbing pipes may be corroded or there may not be enough fall away from the house to prevent water from pooling up against the foundation, which can cause major problems. Checking for water-related issues can also uncover mold problems in the house, which is important to catch before signing a contract.

Safety Hazards

You should also make sure certain standard safety hazards are addressed, such as testing for the presence of radon gas and making sure you get the termite inspection report from the seller. You may also want to check for the presence of asbestos-containing materials and lead paint, which could lead to complications down the road.

Home inspections point you in the right direction. Your next step should be to contact local contractors and get estimates for the projected cost of fixing any issues outlined in the home inspection report. This information will help you negotiate with the seller so you can get problems taken care of right away.