Home buyers often include home inspections companies in their purchase contracts as a contingency. This means that they can back out of the purchase within a certain timeframe if the home inspector finds major problems.
They evaluate heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical wiring, attics, and the foundation. They also examine the garage and exterior structures. They provide a report the following day.
Electrical
Home inspectors will check that the visible wiring is up to code, light switches work, and outlets have enough wattage. They’ll also evaluate outdoor lighting, circuit breakers, and any electrical boxes or cables.
Bathrooms are another important inspection area for home inspectors. They’ll make sure that the toilets flush and there are no leaks under sinks. They’ll also ensure that ground-fault circuit interrupter protection exists for any outlets within six feet of a sink, and that kitchen appliances like range hood fans work properly.
Licensed home inspectors have the technical skills to evaluate homes, but they need the people skills to understand what homeowners want from their service. Choosing a company with both can make all the difference in whether an inspection report will be satisfactory to both parties.
Plumbing
Home inspectors look at a variety of features inside and out, including the plumbing system. The plumbing system routes clean water from the main supply line into the house and carries it to sinks, showers, tubs and water-using appliances. Inspectors check if all faucets, toilets and drains work as intended and inspect a home’s water filtration system, sump pump and water heater to ensure they’re up to code.
Home inspectors also note if bathtubs and showers are leak-proof and whether the bathroom vents are working properly. They’ll also evaluate kitchen sinks, dishwashers and ovens to make sure they function as intended and are safe for potential homeowners to use. Some home inspection companies offer professional plumbing inspections, which are more in-depth than a standard home inspection.
Heating and Air Conditioning
A home inspector will check the heating and air conditioning system to ensure it’s working properly. They’ll also examine the vents, ductwork and the airflow of the system.
They’ll be on the lookout for any leaks or cracks in the HVAC system. They’ll also inspect bathrooms and kitchens. They’ll make sure plumbing is working and check for signs of leaks such as water stains, drips and suspicious cracks or rust.
Home inspections are essential for anyone looking to buy or sell a property. They can reveal safety concerns and maintenance issues that might end up costing you big time down the road. And catching them before you close on your purchase is just smart business. If you’re buying a home, it’s wise to accompany your inspector so you can learn what to expect.
Foundation and Attics
Home inspections are a smart idea for anyone looking to buy or sell property. They can highlight safety and maintenance issues that could be expensive or even dangerous down the road. They can also provide a buyer with valuable leverage during the sale process.
In addition to examining the visible, easily accessible parts of a house, home inspectors can also look in basements and attics. This allows them to check for signs of moisture and potential structural damage that aren’t visible from the exterior.
For example, an inspector can examine floor pitches and the state of joists in a crawl space to see how well they’re supporting a house’s weight. They can also note if there are any cracks in walls and ceilings that might indicate future problems.
Roof
Home inspectors know that a home can’t be healthy or safe without a solid roof. As such, a good inspection usually includes a thorough walk-through of the attic and roof. They’ll look for signs of damage, such as shingles that have fallen off, and they’ll try to determine how many years a roof has left in it.
Touchstone Home Inspection is a New York-based company that evaluates homes and co-ops. Its inspectors check foundations, basements, roofs, exteriors, walks and driveways, heating, air conditioning and plumbing. They also inspect attics, insulation, ventilation and built-in appliances.