What You Don’t See When You Get a Home Inspection
When buying a home, what you see is only sometimes what you get. There are hidden issues, like sagging ceilings and dangerous wiring; the naked eye can’t see that. Many inspectors encourage buyers to be present during the inspection so they can explain their findings in person. Tonini crawls into nasty crawl spaces and climbs on roofs for her job, so she understands the value of an in-person explanation.
Home Inspector Colorado Springs CO will look at the main electrical service panel, a switchboard that connects the external wires to the internal ones that power your lights and appliances. The inspector will remove the cover and inspect the interior components, including breakers, fuses, and outlets.
Electricity is essential to modern life, but the wiring that runs through your home’s walls and ceilings can be dangerous if it’s not in good condition. A home inspector can identify problems with the main electrical panel, outlets, and receptacles. They will also ensure that the outlets are GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) or AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) protected as building codes require.
Older homes may still have knob-and-tube wiring, which can be a fire hazard. If the inspector finds this, he or she will recommend that a professional electrician install new wiring.
During remodeling work, an inspector will often visit to review the electrical installation. This is especially important for projects that require building permits, such as a major room addition or a kitchen or bathroom remodel.
If a potential problem is found, the homeowner’s agent can ask the seller to fix it before the sale. This is usually only done with safety issues like faulty wiring or a lack of GFCI outlets, though. It’s less common for buyers to request that the inspector change out light fixtures or other cosmetic features.
Plumbing
A home inspector’s job includes inspecting a house’s plumbing. Whether they are looking for leaks, cracks or just general wear and tear, these professionals can help prevent future problems from arising. They can also determine whether the home has outdated or dangerous pipe materials, such as polybutylene or lead.
Home inspection services are available for residential and commercial properties. Some of these include a visual inspection of the property, as well as a detailed report. A professional can also conduct a video inspection of the underground sewage system to look for any blockages. In addition, they can test the water pressure and check the condition of hot and cold water appliances.
Leaks can cause major damage to a home, including structural damage and mold growth. In addition, they can also result in high utility bills and a shortened lifespan for equipment. Getting them fixed as early as possible is crucial. A home inspector can help you find any issues that might need to be addressed and recommend a plumber to handle the repairs.
Home inspections are usually required by lenders when purchasing a home. The lender will set a period of time during which the buyer must complete the inspection and any follow-up evaluations. This ensures that the buyer is aware of any potential safety concerns with the home and can withdraw from the sale if necessary. While there are no legal requirements for a home to pass an inspection, some lenders have minimum safety requirements that a home must meet. These include roofing problems, electrical wiring and plumbing issues.
HVAC
As part of a standard home inspection, an inspector will test the condition of the HVAC system. This includes turning on the furnace and air conditioning (temperature permitting). The resulting report will cover these elements, including how old they are and their current efficiency rating. However, some components of the HVAC system are hidden behind walls and in crawl spaces. A licensed technician can conduct an HVAC inspection that’s more comprehensive and may reveal a more extensive list of potential issues.
According to TREC, home inspectors must visually inspect all elements of the home that are accessible to the inspector, including ductwork and vents. However, if the inspector cannot access these areas due to a locked door, obstructions or safety concerns, they must note that in their report.
Whether you’re looking for a career change or just want to be your own boss, becoming a home inspector is an excellent option. The certification requirements vary by state but in most cases they’re less than a college degree. Additionally, this type of work can be lucrative, especially if you have experience in construction or are familiar with electrical and plumbing systems.
As a homeowner, it’s important to maintain your HVAC system to prevent costly repairs and to ensure proper functioning. It’s also a good idea to have regular professional HVAC inspections to catch problems before they become serious. An experienced technician can diagnose any issues and make recommendations for repair.
Foundation
If a general home inspection finds any signs of foundation problems, it’s usually recommended that a foundation specialist take a closer look. This will allow you to get a clear understanding of the damage and its cause. You can then weigh your options for how to proceed with repairs.
A good place to start your search for a foundation inspector is by asking for referrals from friends who’ve recently bought homes. If they had a good experience, they’ll likely be happy to recommend the person who helped them. Another way to find a qualified professional is to check with local home inspection associations. They may have a list of members who specialize in foundation inspections.
You should also look for an inspector with a structural engineer license. This will ensure they understand the physics of the house’s structure and can offer you realistic solutions for how to repair the foundation.
A qualified inspector will be able to recognize the following issues:
Exterior
Home inspections are a critical step in buying a new home. They look at the structural elements of a house, such as the foundation and visible signs of damage or deterioration. They also check the plumbing and electrical systems and the roof. However, they are not a substitute for an appraisal or a building code inspection, and they do not assess the safety of a home’s residents.
When choosing a home inspector, consider their experience and training. A certified home inspector has passed rigorous professional programs and must have a license from the state. They are also required to attend continuing education courses to keep their credentials up to date. They can be found in a variety of places, including online.
The cost of a home inspection will vary depending on the size of the property and its location. A basic inspection costs $200 to $500, while a more in-depth inspection can cost up to $1,000. A home inspector will provide a detailed report on the condition of the property.
During a standard home inspection, the inspector will examine the structure of the home, such as the foundation and masonry; and the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. They will also examine the attic and crawl spaces, as well as the walls, ceilings, and doors. They will also check the grading and drainage around the house. They will also note any water problems, such as leaky windows and doors and leaking chimneys.
Interior
A home inspector is a professional who examines the physical structure and major interior systems of a house. He or she will review all accessible areas of the home including the attic, basement, roof, and visible insulation; foundation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; and plumbing and electrical systems. He or she will also note any notable concerns. The inspection is designed to give the customer a greater understanding of the property they are buying. However, it is not intended to protect them from future repair costs or provide a warranty against defects.
There are many different types of home inspectors, and each has his or her own specialized skills. For example, some may specialize in pests or radon testing, while others have special training in water leak detection and mold identification. You can also find inspectors with advanced degrees in engineering, physics, or medicine.
When hiring a home inspector, make sure to discuss the scope of the inspection before booking an appointment. This will ensure that the inspector is prepared to address all of your concerns and will be able to complete the inspection in a timely manner. You can also ask the inspector to provide you with a sample report before booking your appointment.
Choosing the right home inspector can be difficult, especially when there are so many to choose from. To help you narrow your search, try doing a web search for the inspector’s name and “complaints.” If you can’t find any complaints about an inspector, you can feel confident that they will do a good job.
