There’s nothing more exciting than finding your dream home. Thoughts of how you will move everything in and make it uniquely yours may immediately start to swirl in your head. Once that offer is accepted it seems like the perfect time to celebrate, but not so fast! You will need to get a home inspection to determine if there is anything major that needs to be fixed. A paint job here and there is one thing, but bigger ticket items like a new roof, or septic tank and foundational issues can affect the livability of the home. A home inspection can help determine if any extra attention is needed in any given area. The following checklist can help you prepare to find those answers.
Determine the age of the HVAC system during the home inspection
A new heating, air-conditioning and ventilation system can be extremely pricey. A standard home inspection to ensure the HVAC system is working properly is key, although it’s important to remember that it could go at any time. This means, despite it working during the home inspection, there’s no promise that when you actually purchase the home it will be working. A home inspector will be able to determine the age of the equipment to help surmise its longevity. This is done by simply checking the serial number of the equipment. Most condensers will last between 12 and 15 years before they need a replacement. If the home inspector determines it is time for a replacement, a Fairmarket contractor can take care of it for you.
Check the oil tank during the home inspection
That is, of course, if the home has one. If the home is heated by gas, you need to check the property for an oil tank. If the home was once heated by oil, the oil tank could still be there. Sometimes they are filled with gravel or sand, other times they are removed completely off the property. Depending on certain local laws, you may need to either have an in-basement tank or above ground tank. If you have recently renovated your basement, you may be more familiar with its location. Regardless of where the oil tank remains, you need to be sure that it isn’t leaking or have potential to leak, as it can cause a lot of damage. Not to mention, it’s a huge hassle to clean up an oil leak or spill. During the home inspection, sweep the property completely because there could be multiple underground tanks.
The waste systems should be inspected
Older houses have septic systems and with those can come a world of trouble. If a septic system hasn’t been properly maintained throughout the years or abandoned completely it can cave-in. If or when that happens it can swallow anything with it – even a child’s play set! Contractors have seen it all, and septic systems can be among the costliest. You’ll also want to be sure the sewer pipes aren’t damaged by tree roots or experiencing any other kinds of issues.
Determine the quality of the flooring during the home inspection
Deceptive homeowners may use throw rugs or area rugs to cover up broken, warped, or stained areas of the hardwood flooring. Additionally, wood-destroying insects may be an issue, without appearing so in plain sight. From carpenter bees and ants, to termites, and powder post beetles, there are many unwanted insects that can damage a flooring, regardless if the flooring is carpet or hardwood flooring. A home inspector will check all floors including subfloors covered by laminate, tile, or carpeting.
Thoroughly examine the roof during the home inspection
Close to half of all insurance claims are roof related (Trulia). So, before you purchase the home, know what you are getting into in terms of any roof issues. If there are any problems, you’ll have to bring the roof up to code. If the home has a chimney, you’ll have to be sure that is inspected, too. The integrity of the chimney could be sacrificed by just a few missing bricks. But don’t worry, a Fairmarket contractor can help! Whether you need a roof repair, second roof layer, or completely new roof, a trustworthy and reliable Fairmarket contractor can get the job done.
Check for structural and foundational issues
During
the home inspection, the house should be examined from top to bottom –
literally! That means,
along with the roof, you’ll want to be certain the foundation of the house is
stable. As with the roof, this can be an extremely costly issue if the
foundation needs to be brought up to code.
Mold, asbestos, noxious gases and other issues
A home inspector will do a thorough job on the home. Beyond the aforementioned, the inspector will also check for dangerous gases, molds, and other issues that could make the house uncomfortable or even dangerous to live in. The reason a home inspection could take up to 5 hours is because the inspector has an entire checklist of items, he or she is looking for to keep you safe.
Hiring a home inspector to come out and take a look at the
home you are considering for purchase, is always a good idea. Yes, a home
inspector can be expensive, but they are absolutely necessary. When the
inspection is over, you will be presented with the results. Depending on what
the home inspector finds, you may need to go back to the seller and ask for them
to either fix the issues or give you a break on the price.
When you are looking to repair or maintain any of the issues on your home
inspection, give a Fairmarket contractor a call. Any one of them can help get
the home up to code and comfortable so you can move into your brand new home!
