Types of Home Inspections That Buyers Can Do
Congratulations! So you just got an offer accepted and you are in escrow or perhaps you are just curious about what goes on during escrow. Either way, it is important to know what types of inspections you can have done as a buyer so you can move without the anxiety of the unknown. While this is not a complete list of all the inspections possible, here are some of the important inspections that can help clear the air around your new home.
Home Inspection
The buyer (or their agent) will typically hire a home inspector to observe the home in accordance with the standards put forth by the state. They are looking for health, safety and mechanical issues with the home. The inspector looks at both the interior and exterior of the property and emphasizes the safety issues that are present. The main thing that a home inspector is looking for include issues with the HVAC, plumbing problems, damaged electrical, old/damaged roof, and any water damage or structural issues. This inspection is a must when purchasing a home!
Chimney Inspection
There are 3 levels of chimney inspection with level 1 being the most basic and level 3 requiring removal of some parts of the chimney. A level 2 is conducted upon the sale or transfer of property. No special tools are required to perform a level 2 inspection, they check all doors, panels and all the flue liners. This is not an inspection that is required, but it is always great to check the chimney out because the home inspection does not go into the chimney and check it out. With older homes with older chimneys this is especially important to check out.
Heating and Air (HVAC) Inspection
While the home inspector will look at the HVAC an actual HVAC inspection will be more in-depth and comprehensive. An HVAC inspection should be considered when there are concerns about the efficiency and quality of your heating and air system, especially if recommended on your initial home inspection. During the inspection technicians will check the vents and flues to make sure they are clean and venting properly. They make sure there is no dust or dirt buildup that may affect the quality of indoor air. Regular cleaning and maintenance can significantly improve energy consumption and air quality.
Lead-Based Paint Inspection
While not a stand-alone inspection, if a home was built before 1978 it is required to have a lead-based paint disclosure. Paint can be tested and a certified contractor can remove the paint if lead-based paint is present.
Foundation Inspection
A foundation inspection is something that is important to get if there are concerns about the foundation of the property. The foundation expert will evaluate a slab foundation by walking around and looking for any cracking around the perimeter. If a house has a pier and beam foundation, the expert will check in the crawlspace to determine if it is wet or musty down there. If it is, there can possibly be other problems involving plumbing as well. It is always important to talk to a foundation expert if there are concerns.
Wood Inspection (Pest Inspection)
Even though the home inspection looks at both the interior and exterior of the property, they do not actively inspect for wood destroying organisms such as termites or dry rot. A pest inspection can give peace of mind when it comes to these critters! A pest inspection looks at both the interior and exterior of the property and they are focused on finding any evidence of termite activity or dry rot. They also look for moisture that can lead to environments habitable by wood destroying organisms. The main focus of the pest inspection is inspecting wood and looking for wood damage, they usually do not look for spiders or ants.
Pool Inspection
A pool inspection is great when buying a home with a pool because the inspectors will check to make sure all the equipment is working properly, they check the chemicals in the water, and they check for any leaks in the equipment. This can help you sit back and relax on those warm summer days carefree!
Roof Inspection
Having a roof inspection by a licensed roofing company carries more weight and is more comprehensive than the one done by the home inspector. Even though a home inspector gives a quality report, getting a roofing company to inspect the roof leads to even more peace of mind. They will do a walk-on roof inspection where they check the entire roof, remove tiles to check for proper installation, and look for anything that could affect roof integrity in the future. The roof inspectors will also look inside the attic. This can reduce concerns for any buyer who has questions about the lifespan of the roof.
Sewer or Septic System Inspection
A sewer or septic system should be inspected once a year and it is beneficial to do it right when a home is put on the market to avoid any concerns later. A sewer or septic system inspector will typically look for the date the tank was pumped last and they will check the sludge levels. The inspector will usually check to make sure that the system is large enough for the amount of occupants living in the house. They also check to make sure that liquid waste has not made it to the ground surface. This is such an important system in the house, if you have any concerns about the sewer or septic system do not hesitate to check it out or talk to a specialist.
Mold Inspection
When looking for mold in a property the mold inspector always takes the age and history of the property into consideration. They are looking for signs of mold growth as well as specific types of toxic mold growth. Some inspectors even have infrared imaging to see moisture beneath floors, walls, and the ceiling. They are able to take samples and run tests on the mold. Inspectors are not just looking for mold growth, but also are looking at environments that can cause mold to grow so that it can be addressed. If signs of mold are present and continual it is always better and safer to talk to a mold specialist to remedy the problem.
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It was really helpful when you stated that mold inspection services can also look for environments where mold can potentially grow to ensure the safety of a house. I’ve been very afraid of buying a new house because I have no idea what counts as a health risk, but I feel like I should take things slowly so I won’t run into the trap of buying a good-looking house that has lots of mold potential. Before I continue looking for home listings, I’ll look for a mold inspection service that can help me check out any houses I get interested in.