Buying a house is a big investment. It’s also a significant milestone for everyone who wishes to settle down. As such, it’s critical to make sure that you are getting the most out of your investment before closing the deal.
Perhaps an essential part of the home buying process is the inspection. Before you close the deal with your real estate agent, it’s recommended that you know every little detail about the property you’re about to purchase. Most people prefer hiring another expert for this particular job, and it’s a good thing to do because they know what to look for.
The more information you can collect about a particular home, the better it’ll be at helping you decide whether to purchase it or not. Visit here to find the best home inspector to inspect the property you’re interested in thoroughly.
With that said, here are six things that must be checked when buying a home.
1. Molds
Source: mymove.com
Mold is a fungus that can be a serious health risk. The best way to determine if your potential home has mold is to schedule a mold inspection.
A mold inspection is vital for buyers with young children or compromised immune systems. Mold exposure can lead to allergy-related symptoms, and a mold inspection can help reassure buyers that the home’s air quality is safe.
In addition to checking for mold, a quality air inspection is essential to home buying. If mold is found, it could indicate the presence of other harmful toxins in the air. They also test for moisture, which can cause condensation. And because mold thrives in moist environments, it is particularly necessary to check for it before buying a home.
2. Structural Damage
During the inspection, the inspector will check the house’s structure, including the foundation. Some areas that need to be scrutinized are cracks on the walls, near the doors or windows, and gaps between the floor and wall. Small cracks may be easily repaired. Otherwise, big cracks may cause significant damage if not repaired immediately.
Major issues with a house’s structure could lead to expensive repairs. If the inspector finds major structural damage, you have the option to walk away from the deal. Make sure to get a thorough inspection to be sure you aren’t buying a home that has major issues with its structure.
3. Roof
Source: claimsmate.com
As a buyer, you also need to consider the importance of a roof inspection. This is especially true if you are purchasing a home for the first time. Although you might think you can do it yourself, this can leave you missing several vital details. To ensure the roof’s integrity, you should know some basic facts about the roof and ask simple questions. For example, you can ask about the type of roofing material, the manufacturer’s warranty, and who installed it. Knowing what type of roof you are buying can help you determine whether the roof is in good condition or needs repairs.
A home inspector will perform a thorough roof inspection on a property. This is a great way to discover hidden damages and issues.
4. Electrical System
When inspecting a house, the inspector will look at its electrical system. A faulty electrical system with frayed or chewed wires is a big cause for concern. Moreover, faulty electrical wiring can result from improper installation or wire deterioration. It may indicate a pest problem, and the wiring could signify shoddy work.
Home inspectors typically conduct an electrical review, but they usually don’t cover everything. You should also check the electrical panel to see if it looks neat and organized. An electrical panel that looks good is a sign of good installation. But if it’s messy and is full of disconnected wires, it can be a potential safety hazard. Also, don’t forget to turn the switches on and off and see if all the lights are working. Test each outlet using your phone charger to see if all of them operate correctly.
Faulty electrical wiring can cause havoc in your everyday life as it can destroy your appliances and increase your energy bills. Additionally, damaged wiring systems can lead to electrocution and even fires.
5. Pest Infestation
Source: residencestyle.com
Another common issue that must be checked during the home inspection is pest infestation. This is especially true if the property for sale is old and has been uninhabited for several years. The house may be heavily infested by pests such as rodents or termites.
Thus, checking for a pest infestation is critical before moving in. Termites, for example, can wreak havoc on the home’s structure if left ignored. You should always sweep the entire property, even if the house is newly-made.
6. Windows And Doors
Checking the windows and doors of the house is critical to ensure your family’s safety and security when you start settling down in your new home. However, windows and doors are often left out during inspections as most people think of them as simply part of the residential building’s structure. In reality, they both play a major role in ensuring the safety and security of the property.
If during the home inspection, the windows and doors were found to be broken or damaged, simply fixing them won’t be enough. If you don’t want intruders or thieves to break into your property, you need to replace or reinforce them.
Remember that burglars can easily break in through damaged windows or access your home through a badly-fitted door without hassle. This is one of the key reasons why windows and doors should never be left out during a home inspection.
Final Thoughts
You may think home inspections are unnecessary, but they are critical in giving you detailed information about the quality and safety of the property you’re about to buy. Remember that some sellers are selling their homes in as-is condition, and if you don’t conduct a home inspection, you may end up purchasing a house full of problems. Be sure to cover all the potential issues and hazards before closing the deal so you don’t have any regrets later on.
