Home Inspections – 9 Things You Don’t Want to Overlook
In a quick, high-pressure market, buyers may feel pressured to skip inspections all together. Not only is that a bad idea, it can actually be wiser to get additional, or more specific inspections before agreeing to purchase a home. A typical home inspection will include a visual inspection of major home systems and things that are easily viewed and accessible. An inspector will look at the exterior and note the condition of things like decks, porches, and siding. He or she will look at the roof, as well as structural components like walls, floors, stairs and ceilings. The condition of major appliances, the HVAC system, the plumbing, ventilation, insulation, etc. will also be noted.
But a standard inspector may not be an expert in each of these systems. For instance, an inspector may look at the roof to see that there are no missing shingles or holes or bad wear. But will they recognize if a fairly new roof looks great, but was installed incorrectly? A roofing company will. So, there are some things that you may want to have a specialist take deeper look at before you decide to purchase a home.
1) Foundation.
Since everything rests on your foundation, and because
foundation repairs can be extremely costly, a foundation inspection by a
structural engineer or foundation specialist is a great safeguard.
2) Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO).
Termites and other pests can cost thousands of dollars of
damage hidden behind the walls of the home your want to purchase. A licensed specialist will know the signs to
look for to recognize past or present activity and assess the scope of the
problem.
3) Radon.
In the U.S., after smoking, the EPA says that exposure to
radon is the next highest cause of lung cancer.
While it is best to do a long-term test, you won’t have that long to
wait when you are trying to buy a home. It doesn’t hurt to ask the seller if
they have had one done. If not, a short-term
test can be done in 48 hours, and DIY test kids are available to use and send
to a lab for results.
4) Mold.
Mold is another thing that can be an unseen but costly potential
problem. There are many types of mold
and most of them are not a monumental health hazard. But some are, and it generally takes a
specialist in mold remediation to test and identify the problem
accurately. You don’t want to take chances
buying a home with black mold, but you also don’t want to pass up on a home if
it is a type of mold that is easily taken care of and not as hazardous.
5) Roof.
As mentioned before, a roofer will know more about proper
installation and have greater expertise in assessing the quality and condition
of your roof, and reputable companies often offer free inspections.
6) Electrical.
An electrical inspection is a way to safeguard your home and
your family. Faulty electrical issues
such as having the wrong size breakers can lead to a house fire, so getting an
electrician’s opinion on the electrical system in the home you want to purchase
can be critical.
7) HVAC.
An HVAC technician can look at the age and condition of your
system and get an idea for how well it has been maintained and what repairs may
be imminent.
8) Plumbing and Water Systems.
A plumber knows how to check for leaks that may be inside
the walls or crawlspace and knows whether what is discovered is major or minor
to repair. That knowledge can be
invaluable when decided how much or whether to bid on a house.
9) Sewer or Septic.
At the Lake of the Ozarks, there are special regulations
based on your proximity to the lake so having someone familiar with Ameren’s regulations
take a look at your septic or sewer is very important. New systems can cost from $5,000 - $30,000 so
that is something you will want to know before you purchase the house. A specialist will even be able to use a
camera to inspect your lateral fields for tree roots and breaks.
While it seems like a lot, and most of it will be looked at
by a general inspector, it is a very good idea to go the extra mile and have
some additional inspections done before you close on a house at the Lake of the Ozarks. Your Favorite Real
Estate Team wants you to enjoy your new lake home, not have to worry about repairs
or problems as soon as you buy your home.
We are here to offer you help and advice when ever you are ready to buy a
house at Lake of the Ozarks. Give us a
call when you decide it is time to start your home search at Lake of the Ozarks.
Comments
Post a Comment