The best way to discover any problems with a home is when it is inspected. Even though a home’s structural integrity is important, other interior and exterior factors are also vital. A home inspection focuses on possible mechanical, structural, and electrical problems. The escrow closing cannot take place if an inspection report is not part of the end deal.
An inspection is designed to give the realtor, the potential buyer, even the seller, an idea of hidden flaws or problems that aren’t always recognizable. If sellers or buyers are concerned about radon, lead, mold, pests, or asbestos issues, then a traditional inspector is not certified or licensed to comment on these specific issues. A home inspector will be happy to suggest other options to test these environmental problems.
Home Inspector Membership:
Home inspections will vary depending upon the state in which you live and the association that governs your area. There are basic practices and ethical codes, that are established by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, by which all property inspectors must follow. Members of this National Association must agree to be honest, fair, impartial, trustworthy, and to act in good faith in working with the public.
Interior Inspections:
A home inspector will look over the interior of a home for structural integrity, based on a slab foundation or a raised foundation. Inspectors will check interior walls and foundations for cracks and holes. They will check the wiring system which includes circuit breakers, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and overall wiring and grounding units.
Walls and ceilings are given a cursory look for cracking, flaking, and bulging. The roof and attic are inspected for good drainage, insulation, roof leveling, and will make sure that air vents are working properly. Plumbing equipment is checked for proper drainage, piping conditions, and to make sure that they are in good operating condition.
Inspectors will test the locks and alignments of both doors and windows to make sure that they can open and close properly. Even though home inspectors are not experts on home pests, they will still keep an eye open for obvious infections like ants, termites, and beetles. Other inspections for homes who have a fireplace and a chimney, will include an inspection of their duct work, to make sure that it is in good condition.
External Inspections:
External home inspections involve checking the gutters to see if they are damaged, if they are level, and if they are clear of any debris. An external check of the home’s foundation is also conducted, as well as shrubbery, plants, or trees that may be too close to the home. Depending upon the type of material that a home is made of, such as brick, siding, or wood, an inspector will also carefully check their conditions. Porches and decks are checked on top and underneath, for weak masonry, paint problems, rotted woods, any separations, or unevenness.
How To Fix Inspection Problems:
Any problems found by the property inspector can be dealt with in various ways. A buyer can ask the seller to fix the problems, or if they are unable to then the seller should be asked to reduce the purchase price. And if things are bad enough, then a buyer can turn around and walk away. If the property is an “as is” home, then there are grants to help fix and improve the home or take your time and financially prepare to slowly fix the repairs.
