Home inspections are key components of a real estate transaction, and they vary depending on the type of property involved. For example, if you're buying a large historical home in Pasadena, CA or New Orleans, LA, it will require a more specialized inspection than one for a condo built in 2005.
Regardless of the type of property involved, the following are the basic elements that are checked by a home inspector. You can refer to this list to help you evaluate the properties that you consider purchasing.
A Home Inspector's Checklist
Structure
The integrity of the home's structure impacts how well the property stands up to weather, natural disasters, gravity, and the earth. Structural components such as the home's foundation and framing will be inspected.
Inspecting a home's structure could require an expert's tools, but something as simple as misaligned doors and windows indicates foundation damage. Even cracked drywall could indicate shifting ground under the home.
Exterior
The inspector will look at the exterior of the home and the surrounding property. He will look at the driveway, sidewalks, steps, windows, doors, the drainage, balconies, porches, decks, and balconies.
Signs of a bad exterior aren't always self-evident. For instance, the signs of bad siding might show in a house's heating and cooling bills, even if it looks fine from the outside.
Roofing
A well-maintained roof protects the exterior and the interior of the home against rain, wind, snow, and pooling water. The inspector will look at the roof's age, the draining system, gutters, skylights, and chimneys.
One of the signs that your roof is falling apart will show up in your gutters. If you're seeing pieces of shingles in the gutter drain, then you may want to get the roof inspected.
Other items that require inspection:
- Plumbing – water supply, drainage systems, main line clogs, water heater, and sump pumps, etc.
- Electrical – checks for safe electrical wiring.
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HVAC
systems – checks equipment and considers age and energy rating.
- Interior – checks for plumbing leaks, insect damage, construction defects, etc.
- Ventilation – checks ventilation to prevent energy loss. Insulation should also be appropriate for the climate.
- Fireplaces – if they're not installed right, they can be dangerous. The inspector should examine the system to ensure safety and efficiency.
Are you in the market for a new home? Reach out to a real estate lawyer to learn more about the importance of a good home inspection!