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Inspecting a Home
What to Look for When Inspecting a Home
By
Mark J. Donovan
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Prior to purchasing a home it is extremely wise to have a
home inspection performed by a licensed and professional home inspector. As
a matter of fact, a home inspection, with your satisfaction of the results,
should be a contingency in the purchase and sales agreement for the home.
Moreover some banks insist on a home inspection prior to them approving a
loan. Buying a home is a huge commitment from both an expense and time
perspective, and so the last thing you want to do is purchase a money pit. |
Many home repairs cost a small fortune, particularly if they
involve failing mechanical systems, septic systems, or roofs. Inspecting a home
that you are considering buying will give you the information you need up front
to either walk away from the deal or have the issues addressed prior to closing
on the home.
When inspecting a home there are various items that should be evaluated by the
home inspector. Chief among them is an evaluation of the structural integrity of
the home and its electrical and mechanical systems. As part of this basic home
inspection the home should be thoroughly inspected from the foundation to the
roof, and inside and outside of the home. Every appliance, door and window,
electrical fixture, and mechanical system should be inspected to confirm that
they are in good working order. Any that are not should be noted in the home
inspector’s report.
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Also, key areas such as in the basement, attic, and crawl spaces should be
inspected for water damage or leaks. Moreover, the home should be checked for
proper insulation. In addition, when inspecting a home, signs of pest damage and
infestation should be evaluated. Also, the home should be checked for hazardous
building materials, such as asbestos, Formaldehyde and lead paint. Homes built
prior to 1979 are very apt to include hazardous building materials. Samples of
potential hazardous materials should be sent out to appropriate labs for
evaluation.
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On the exterior of the home, any on-property septic systems should be fully
examined. Both the septic tank and leach field should be evaluated for proper
operation and maintenance. A failed leach field could easily cost tens of
thousands of dollars to repair. The home inspector should ask to see maintenance
records of the septic tank.
The water supply should also be thoroughly tested to ensure it contains no
contaminants or bacteria that could be hazardous to the home’s occupants. In
addition, the home’s water storage tank, supply lines, and plumbing fixtures
should be evaluated for corrosion and leaks. Also, pressure relief valves on hot
water tanks should be confirmed installed.
If appliances are to be sold with the home, they too should be inspected to
confirm that they are fully operational and safe to operate. The home inspector
should ask for any documentation of service on the appliances.
Upon the completion of the home inspection, the homeowner should provide you
with an extensive report of his findings, and a summary narrative of his overall
opinion on the state of the home. Any concerns you have with the home inspection
should be brought to the attention of the sellers to see if they will repair
them or if they will reduce the price of the home to allow you to repair them.
If they fail to make the repairs, or if your simply scared off by the results of
the home inspection, then use your rights in the purchase and sales agreement to
walk away from the deal
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