This article discusses the types of home inspections that buyers can conduct before purchasing a home. The article will be divided into subheadings covering the various inspections and a brief description of each.
Chimney Inspections
Chimney inspections involve checking for corroded chimney flues or cracks in the interior bricks. A chimney inspector can also ensure proper smoke ventilation and that the cap is in good condition. Inspection cost: $100 to $300 only.
Electrical Inspections
A general home inspector may inform you that the electrical panel is so old that it no longer meets city codes. An electrician can advise you on the best brands for replacement and how much it would cost, along with other information. Be sure to check the electrical panel and look for the model number to ensure it hasn’t been recalled.
Lead-based Paint
The federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in 1978, but many older homes – and even some built after 1978 – may still contain it. You have the right to conduct a lead-based paint test and hire a certified contractor to remove it.
Heating and Air Conditioning
A home inspector may measure the temperature difference between the air conditioning or furnace and recommend a check of the unit by an HVAC professional to determine the cause. Most furnaces may need to be dismantled to identify the source of the malfunction. An HVAC specialist can inform you of the cost to repair the unit or if it needs to be completely replaced.
Wood Damage
It is possible to find wood-destroying insects in any part of the country, but they thrive particularly in warmer areas. Pest inspections not only reveal the presence of termites or wood borers, but also uncover unrelated issues like dry rot. This type of inspection can cost less than $50.
Foundation Inspections
A home inspector can inform you whether your home is built on a slab or raised foundation and note any suspicious cracks, but a foundation engineer can tell you if the home is settling or if its foundation is faulty. This type of inspection can cost between $300 to $1,000.
Pool and Spa Inspections
Pool and spa experts can provide an estimate of the unit’s age based on major components like the heater or spa blower. These specialists also check for leaks. Sometimes pools can be covered by home warranties for an additional cost.
Roof Inspections
Obtain a certification for an old roof, even if the appraiser requires it and the seller won’t pay for it. Ensure that the company is reputable and likely to be in business in the future if you need to file a claim. It’s best if the roof inspector is not also in the roof replacement business.
Sewer or Septic Tank Inspections
Conduct a sewer or septic tank inspection. Some older homes may not be connected to a sewer system. Modern inspection technology inserts a digital camera into the drain line and pushes it to the main line. Many sewer inspectors may video the process for you.
Soil Stability
Testing the soil is important if you are buying a home on a hillside because you don’t want the house or any part of the hill to slide during a heavy rainstorm. Some areas may also be prone to soil contamination.
Garden Inspections
The best way to determine if the trees and shrubs on the property are healthy is to hire a certified arborist to inspect them.
Water and Plumbing Systems
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The plumber can tell you if the galvanized pipes need to be replaced. Some galvanized pipes may be so clogged that you can barely pass a pencil through them. Inspect the construction and find out the depth of the water table, including water purification, if the property has a well. These inspections will cost around $165.
Gases and Chemicals
A damage control contractor can test for radon or methane gas and recommend ways to remove it. Qualified formaldehyde inspectors can also determine if there are unacceptable levels of this colorless, flammable substance that is often used in building products. It has been known to cause cancer in mice. A radon test can cost less than $10 if you purchase a home test kit.
Asbestos Inspections
Contrary to popular belief, general home inspections do not include asbestos testing. The only way to know if materials actually contain asbestos is to have them tested by taking a sample to a lab. Warning: Do not rely on DIY home tests for asbestos.
Mold Inspections
Mold is common in homes in humid, damp areas and can cause health problems even in healthy individuals. An inspector can test for its presence and identify the type of mold, if any.
Document Inspections
Not all inspections are physical. Research can also reveal important information, such as:
- Home Size: You may want to verify your home’s size since public records sometimes contain errors. Buyers or their private lenders can hire an appraiser to provide this measurement.
- Encroachments and Easements: Your insurance document will reveal encroachments, but ask your insurance company to send you the actual encroachment documents from the public records as well. You can also hire a surveyor to inspect and prepare an Improvement Location Certificate (ILC), which will show any encroachments. Land Size and Boundaries: The initial insurance document search will give you a parcel map, showing the boundaries and land size. You may want to hire a surveyor if you wish to verify this information. Do not rely on fences to determine boundaries, but be cautious. This type of inspection can cost less than $346 or more than $679.
- Permits and Planning: Go to your city’s planning department and request to see the permits related to the home. Sometimes people remodel without permits. The planning department can also tell you if running a home-based business is legally permitted at the location where the home is situated.
If You Are Buying in a Disaster-Prone Area
You may want to add one additional item to your inspection list if you are purchasing in a historically severe weather event area such as flooding, hurricanes, or tornadoes. A disaster inspection can tell you if the property has suffered any damage as a result and how it might withstand a similar event in the future.
At the time of this article’s writing, Elizabeth Weintraub, CalBRE #00697006, is a broker associate at Lyon Real Estate in Sacramento, California.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-types-of-home-inspections-can-a-buyer-do-1798675
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