Things a Home Inspector Might Notice
By Chris Petry
So, you’re in the market for a new home. Or maybe, just maybe, you’re preparing to buy your first home. Either way, you’re in for an exciting time! Because you’re so excited, it might be easy to overlook very important flaws in the homes you view. Flaws that might, in the long run, cost you a lot of money to update or repair. Because buyers may not be looking for material defects and because they may not even know what to look for, it’s essential that one requests the services of a home inspector. Home inspectors will inspect the property top to bottom and identify red flags that might require attention. Read on for some of the things an inspector might flag when doing a home inspection.
Cracks- Inspectors can be wary of cracks. While some cracking is bound to happen overtime as the home settles, it’s important not to ignore it. When cracks appear in drywall, it’s likely the walls or ceilings themselves lack the proper support. Missing, damaged, swollen or bowing beams or joists can create these cracks overtime. Luckily there a number of solutions to address the root problem but that will most certainly require licensed professionals, resulting in a sizeable bill. Cracks measuring half an inch or greater in width are most concerning, pointing to critical structural issues that will need immediate attention. Horizontal cracks are generally considered more concerning than vertical cracks, which are often smaller and caused by shrinkage in the curing of the concrete.
Water damage and mold- Another thing to look out for is water marks on exposed wood or drywall in basements, signifying past flooding. Cracked or bubbling paint, loose tiles and damp carpet can be indicators of heavy moisture which can result in the accumulation of mold. Bathroom exhaust fans should be in working order and there should be no visible signs of mold on grout, caulking and sealant around toilets, tubs, sinks and windows. Most mold can be easily resolved with acidic cleaners, proper ventilation and careful disposal. That said, there are certain strains of mold that can be hazardous, especially to those with more sensitive lungs like small children and the elderly.
Slow plumbing- Toilets should flush with no difficulty and sinks should disperse steady streams of water. After all, you might be purchasing said home and working plumbing is a must. If water pressure appears low, the water never gets warm, or it takes a long time to drain or backs up, there might be some issues to address. It could be as easy as a snake or drain cleaner or it may mean new pipe is in the near future. Which is, obviously, a pricier fix. Ever seen pictures of the Great Barrier Reef? Well, believe it or not, the insides of water pipes develop similar crystallization over time, restricting flow, impeding the passage of waste and backing up. You do NOT want a major plumbing project soon after unpacking your belongings in the new house.
Older HVAC- While it’s hard to truly gauge the efficiency of the HVAC unit without a more comprehensive professional analysis of the innerworkings by an HVAC technician, inspectors can still gather a pretty good idea based on the appearance of the visible mechanicals. Which is to say, is it a somewhat modern forced air unit? Does it use gas or electricity? It’s perfectly acceptable to ask a seller some of these questions. When was it installed? When was it last serviced? All these things can give you a good idea of what your future HVAC system is capable of and what life it has left. Keep in mind that older units are less energy efficient and will probably result in higher utility bills. The biggest concern, however, will be the safety of the unit. Cracks and bad seals can result in less efficiency and leaks.
Outdated Electric- Electrical outlets and breakers will be examined to insure they can handle the needs of a typical household. Are the outlets two or three prong outlets? Old homes may still feature two prong outlets which will require converters on the end of three prong wires to work. Additionally, two prong outlets lack a grounding wire, which is an extra protective measure against shocks and fires. According to HomeGuide.com, it costs anywhere from $80-350 to replace or upgrade an existing outlet. Replacing faulty breakers is also essential. If a home inspector discovers bad breakers or outlets, you and your REALTOR can address the problem with the seller, who may agree to cover the cost of the safety repair.
Presence of radon- Radon is a colorless, tasteless and odorless radioactive gas that can seem through basement floors and foundations. Radon can cause respiratory issues including labored breathing, coughing, and chest pain. Radon is entirely natural and can make its way into homes new and old. An inspector may leave a radon detector on the lowest level of the home for 2-4 days to test the severity of the issue. Luckily there are radon mitigation companies who can address the issue, decreasing the possibility of long-term health effects related to exposure.
Roof defects- The roof is inarguably one of the most important components of your home, so you’ll want to find out when the home’s roof was installed, what type of materials were used and if it’s ever been damaged and subsequently repaired. An inspector will likely walk the roof, testing its structural integrity and looking for obvious signs of wear and tear. If the home has an attic, inspectors will take a peek at the bottom side for any splintering or damage to the wood substrate. They will also likely mention the presence of or lack of proper ventilation, which will affect the longevity of the roof.
Of course, there a lot of important details to consider when purchasing a home and a great home inspector will address the vast majority of them. Be sure to speak to a professional REALTOR from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty who can help you create an extensive checklist covering your specific wants and needs as well as a licensed inspector who can provide even more information regarding the home inspection procedure.
