Home Inspections and Why You Need One

Home inspections are a critical part of the home buying and selling procedure. If you make an offer for a property, it is usually made subject to the results of a home inspection.. The inspection is performed by a specialist who examines the property to be purchased and produces a report for the buyer. The buyer then uses that report to ensure that there are no problerms with the property. If items are found that the buyer wishes the seller to fix, then these can be negotiated as part of the contract. Alternativly if items are found which put you off buying the property altogether, then you the buyer may withdraw from the contract without penalty. Some of the areas that are usually covered by an inspection report are:

Foundation: Check for signs of leaks, stains, cracks.

Roof: Check for leaks, flashing installation, water pooling, number of layers, and general condition.

Rain Gutters: Loose / missing sections, visible blockages, downspouts expelling water near foundation.

Furnace: Check for correct operation, age and green tag.

Siding: Look for damage and correct installation.

Exterior Brick: Check for cracks and loose bricks.

Doors and Windows: Check for cracked window panes, efficiency / weather stripping, operation.

Ceilings, walls, and moldings: Look for loose pieces, and signs of damp.

Porch/Deck: Loose railings, steps, handrails.

Electrical: Check fuse boxes / breakers, correct wiring of outlets, presence and operation of GFI's and condition of exposed wiring.

Plumbing: Check water pressure, banging / noisy pipes, rust spots / corrosion / leaks, correct operation of faucets

Water Heater: Check age, size adequate for house, green tag

Garage: Operation of door mechanism, cracks, and leaks

Basement: Check for signs of water leakage / stains, musty smell, mold.

Attic: Look for adequate ventilation, insulation, signs of leaks.

Driveways/Sidewalks: Cracks, uneven pavement, crumbling, stains.