What To Expect During A Home Inspection

A home inspection is a vital part of the real estate transaction. It allows buyers to fully understand the condition of the property and negotiate accordingly.

Inspectors usually check things like the basement, plumbing and electrical systems, HVAC, roof, and foundation. They also examine light fixtures and inspect the attic. Talk to an expert by clicking here at https://www.axioshomeinspections.com/.

Electrical

It’s no secret that electrical problems can be some of the most frustrating and dangerous to deal with. That’s why it’s important to have them inspected by a professional—it can help protect you from costly repairs down the road.

During the electrical inspection, the home inspector will check all outlets and receptacles to ensure they’re safe and working properly. They’ll also test light switches, fixtures, and appliances to confirm they work. They’ll also look at the main panel to verify it’s up to code and has enough breakers to handle the load of the house.

Inspectors will also check all wiring to ensure it’s safe, up to code, and properly anchored. They’ll look for any older knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wire—both of which should be replaced as soon as possible since they can lead to a fire hazard. They’ll also look for GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) in areas that should have them, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and the laundry room.

Lastly, the home inspector will remove the cover from the service panel to check all the breakers to make sure they’re in good condition and are the correct size for the load of the house. They’ll also look for any overheating or undervoltage issues. Be sure to clear out any clutter or boxes from around the panels so the inspector can access them easily. Also, be sure to keep your pets and kids away from these areas as well.

Plumbing

During a plumbing inspection, the inspector will check all of your home’s plumbing pipes to ensure they’re free of leaks, clogs, or any other problems. They’ll also look at all of your sinks, faucets, tubs, and toilets to confirm that they’re in good working order. The inspector will also test your water pressure to make sure it’s at a healthy level.

Your inspector will also check all of your home’s venting and drain lines, including those that run under your house and through the attic crawl space. Depending on the type of inspection you get, the plumber may even go inside your home’s sewer tank to inspect for leaks or other issues.

The inspector will note when a problem exists and give you their advice on how to proceed. They may suggest that you fix an issue before the sale of your home to avoid a costly, drawn-out repair process after the sale.

There are a few things that a standard inspection doesn’t cover. A swimming pool, fireplace, or septic system are usually not inspected, so you’ll need to look into them on your own if you want to know if they’re in good condition. You can prepare for an inspection by replacing light bulbs and testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they function properly. You can also trim trees and shrubbery that extend over the roof of your home and clear out any debris that could be a fire or rodent hazard.

HVAC

If the house has central air and heat, the inspector will test it and note its age. They may also recommend replacing the filter. They’ll look at the ductwork and vents for dirt and debris that could harm the system, too.

They’ll also identify the type of wiring and check that ground fault circuit interrupters (which can prevent electrocution, fires, and injuries from overheated outlets) are installed in areas like bathrooms, bedrooms, and garages. The inspector won’t poke around in walls or underneath floors and they won’t try to access the roof if it’s too high to safely reach.

A home inspection can reveal all sorts of potential issues that can give a buyer pause and even prompt them to walk away from the sale. That’s why sellers should keep the home in good shape before the inspection, if possible. For example, it’s a good idea to remove pets from the property and clear out clutter so the inspector can get a thorough look at the home. Also, it’s a good idea to keep appliances on and plugged in; if they’re unplugged the inspector won’t be able to test them. Also, replace the air filters; doing so will help the HVAC system function efficiently.

Roof

A roof inspection is an essential part of any home inspection. A roof that is in poor condition can cause serious problems with the structure and interior of a house, so the inspector will check for issues such as missing or curled shingles, leaks, and signs of rot or deterioration.

During a typical roof inspection, the inspector will walk around the perimeter of the roof to observe its condition. They will note any areas of shingle damage or missing shingles and check for shingle fasteners, valley flashing, and drip edges. They will also inspect the vent pipes, chimneys, and other penetrations to make sure they have proper sealants and that they are not leaking.

Most home inspectors are not roof experts, so they will usually recommend that you hire a specialist for a separate roof inspection if they notice any problems. They will also often note if there are stains on the ceiling in the attic space, which may indicate roof leaks or dampness that have caused structural issues.

A reputable home inspector will be willing to let you tag along during the inspection, but they may be concerned that too many eyes could distract them from doing their job. Regardless of whether or not they allow you to accompany them, you should always be cautious when climbing ladders. Falling from a height can cause severe or fatal injuries.

Foundation

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, having the foundation professionally inspected is a smart move. Home inspectors will examine all aspects of your house and check for potential issues, like leaky pipes or problems with the foundation that can cause serious damage to the entire structure of a house.

A structural inspection will involve examining the foundation for cracks, bulging, moisture, and wood damage among other things. You should choose a certified home inspector who specializes in this area and can provide a detailed report within a reasonable timeframe.

It’s important to find out how many years the home inspector has been in business and to ask for references. You should also look for reviews from previous clients. Make sure the home inspector is licensed and insured. You may want to consider hiring a home inspector who offers a free inspection, but remember that this type of offer can be misleading and might not be honest.

A thorough foundation inspection will include checking the walls for cracks and separation, which can indicate substructure damage. The inspector will also look for floors that are sloping over the length of the home, which can indicate foundation shifting. He will also inspect the supports, which are typically made from concrete, steel, or piers. Look for any rust, which can indicate unwanted moisture in the basement or crawl space. He will also check that the tops of the piers are connected flush to the beams.

Interior

During the home inspection, your inspector will go into spaces like the basement, attic, and garage. Make sure these areas are free of clutter to give the inspector a clear view and access to everything. You can help the process by clearing out kitchen appliances, running water in sinks and showers to test for clogs, and locking up pets and plants. The inspector will also check the accessible parts of the plumbing, such as the water meter and shut-off valves.

Generally, home inspectors won’t make holes in walls or tear up flooring to see underneath. They also won’t inspect the condition of a roof that is too steep to climb or if it would be unsafe to do so. Other specialized testing, such as for mold asbestos or radon, will need to be done separately.

For homeowners considering putting their house on the market, this is an opportunity to get ahead of maintenance issues. Though it’s rare for a home to pass its inspection without blemish, being proactive can help minimize the number of issues that pop up. Just make sure you shop around and find a certified inspector who isn’t affiliated with your real estate agent. Otherwise, your agent might be biased and recommend an inspector who isn’t a good fit for you and your property.