What do home inspections include

However, this might be one of the most critical factors that need to be checked before buying or renting a new property. Home inspectors will check for damage caused by termites and other wood-destroying insects and organisms; however, treatment is up to the homeowner. When inspecting the house, always check for any signs of pests.

Ask if the seller has done any pest control treatments in the past and have taken any measurements to prevent any pests from getting into the house. As a part of the necessary due diligence, it is crucial to speak with a pest control specialist and schedule your inspection. The pest control expert will take a look and inspect the house for any insects, bugs, termites , beetles, ants, mice, roaches, spiders, etc.

Your home inspector will inspect the exterior and attic for evidence of animal activity; however, this may not be fully detectable due to accessibly issues. Your home inspector will document potential entry points that need repair to prevent animal activity may. However, unless the inspector sees an animal in the attic, activity is difficult to gauge.

Animal activity can include:. Animals seek shelter in houses for a variety of reasons. They could be seeking shelter, warmth, and potential food sources. A variety of different animals that can be found in your attic include:. Even if most of these animals are not necessarily dangerous, they can cause severe damage to the house. They can eat through the insulation, damage the electrical wiring , or even die in the walls. All of this can pose significant problems in the future.

They can also carry diseases that could pose a health risk. When buying a home with a swimming pool, a hot tub, or a spa, there are certain things you always need to know. It is best to have a qualified pool expert perform an inspection of the pool, hot tub, or any spas. They will make sure to inspect and provide you with a detailed list of the following:. A properly working and maintained lawn sprinkler system will save you money and water.

A sprinkler system that has not been appropriately set can even cause mold accumulation if it sprays directly at the house. Many potential problems with sprinkler systems occur from damage caused by lawn equipment. What are the most common issues you can expect with old sprinkler systems? This mainly pertains to condo buildings where a fire sprinkler system protects the units. The Homeowners Association maintains these systems. However, if present in a residential home, you should have a certified technician ensure that the system is properly working and in good condition.

Home inspectors do not inspect existing alarm systems in a home. Sellers typically cancel the existing service when they sell the house. If the alarm system is left intact, you may reactivate the service with the same company.

However, most alarm companies will install their equipment or update their existing equipment when service is activated. Television antennas and any satellite dishes are not a part of the home inspection. Much like alarm systems, sellers will cancel their service when the home is sold. Companies will install new equipment when the buyer takes possession of the house and calls to set up service.

Home inspectors will often inspect detached structures for an additional fee. When a home inspector inspects a house, they are looking at the primary structure only. Well water systems are inspected as part of the home inspection.

Home inspectors will check the function of the well, piping, wiring, and output. However, the quality of the water from the well is not tested. Water from a well should be tested for various contaminants and bacteria.

Water samples need to be collected from a well and sent to a certified lab for analysis. Home inspectors are not the same as code compliance inspectors. Code compliance inspectors are city or county employees who have the authority to inspect a structure and levy fines for code violations. While home inspectors are trained to know building codes, they do not have the same authority that code enforcement officers have. Home inspectors do not check whether a property has open building permits from work performed on the house.

When a contractor begins work on a house, often a building permit has to be obtained. To close an activity building permit, a code enforcement inspector will check the work performed to determine if the work meets the current building codes. This is particularly important when purchasing a house that is being advertised as recently renovated. A house will either have a municipal sewer system or a private septic system.

A private septic system generally includes a buried gallon tank with a drainage field. Private septic systems have to be maintained by the homeowner. A home inspector will inspect whether bathtubs and sinks are draining correctly; however, often, a septic system has to be used continually before potential problems surface. Septic systems are buried underground and therefore considered inaccessible during a home inspection.

A home inspection will not include paint, wallpaper, and other cosmetic defects. These defects include nail holes in the walls, poor paint color choices, peeling wallpaper, etc. For example, bold paint choices may appeal to some people but not to others. Yes, we can hear your objection: "Buying a home is expensive enough as it is!

Why would I choose to fork over hundreds more if I'm not required to? Home inspections provide an opportunity for a buyer to identify any major issues with a home before closing.

Your first clue that a home inspection is important is that it can be used as a contingency in your contract with the seller. This contingency provides that if a home inspection reveals significant defects, you can back out of your purchase offer , free of penalty, within a specific timeframe.

The potential problems a home can have must be pretty serious if they could allow you to walk away from such a significant contract. In some situations, realtors are also known to include home inspection clauses in contracts, such as those for a newly built residence. In new home construction, inspections generally cover:.

Inspectors vary in experience, ability, and thoroughness, but a good inspector should examine certain home components and then produce a report covering their findings. The typical inspection lasts two to three hours, and you should be present for the inspection to get a firsthand explanation of the inspector's findings and, if necessary, ask questions.

Also, any problems the inspector uncovers will make more sense if you see them in person instead of relying solely on the snapshot photos in the report. The inspector should note:. An excellent inspector will even tell you about routine maintenance that should be performed, which can be a great help if you are a first-time homebuyer. While it is impossible to list everything an inspector could check for, the following home inspection checklist for buyers should give you a general idea of what to expect.

The inspector will complete a full inspection of the outside of the structure. This will include climbing into any crawlspaces under the home and using a ladder to reach and inspect the roof and other items. The inspector will check for damaged or missing siding, cracks, and whether the soil is in excessively close contact with the bottom of the house, which can invite wood-destroying insects.

However, the pest inspector yes, you might want to engage one of those too , not the home inspector, will check for actual damage from termites, etc. The inspector will let you know which problems are cosmetic and which could be more serious. If the foundation is not visible, and it usually is not, the inspector will not be able to examine it directly.

Still, they can check for secondary evidence of foundation issues, like cracks or settling. The inspector will let you know whether the grading slopes away from the house as it should. If it doesn't, water could get into the house and cause damage, and you will need to either change the slope of the yard or install a drainage system.

The inspector will test the garage door for proper opening and closing, check the garage framing if it is visible, and determine if it is properly ventilated to prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

If the water heater is in the garage, the inspector will make sure it is installed high enough off the ground to minimize the risk of explosion from gasoline fumes mingling with the heater's flame. The inspector will check for areas where roof damage or poor installation could allow water to enter the home, such as loose, missing, or improperly secured shingles and cracked or damaged mastic around vents.

They will also check the condition of the gutters. Home inspectors also do not specifically check for termite damage, mold, asbestos, or water contamination. If you are concerned about these issues, ask your inspector for a heads up if they suspect any of these problems. The inspector will also complete a thorough inspection of the interior of the home. They will inspect everything from the ceiling to the cabinets under the sink.

The home inspector will check all faucets and showers, look for visible leaks and test the water pressure. They will also identify the kind of pipes the house has if any pipes are visible. The inspector may recommend a secondary inspection if the pipes are old to determine if or when they might need to be replaced and how much the work would cost. The inspector will also identify the location of the home's main water shutoff valve. The inspector will identify the kind of wiring the home has, test all the outlets, and make sure there are functional ground fault circuit interrupters which can protect you from electrocution, electric shock, and electrical burns installed in areas like the bathrooms, kitchen, garage and outdoors.

They will also check your electrical panel for any safety issues and check your electrical outlets to ensure they do not present a fire hazard. The inspector will look at your HVAC system to estimate the age of the furnace and air conditioner, determine if they function properly, and recommend repairs or maintenance.

An inspector can also give you an idea of the age of the home's ducting, whether it might have leaks, if your home has sufficient insulation to minimize your energy bills and whether there is any asbestos insulation.

The home inspector will identify the age of the heater and determine if it is properly installed and secured. The inspector will also let you know what kind of condition it is in and give you a general idea of how many years it has left. The inspector will sometimes check kitchen appliances that come with the home to make sure they work, but these are not always part of the inspection. If you think you'll want to keep them, be sure to ask which ones are omitted so that you can test them yourself.

The inspector will make sure the laundry room is properly vented. A poorly maintained dryer-exhaust system can be a serious fire hazard. If the home has an attached garage, the inspector will make sure the wall has the proper fire rating and hasn't been damaged in any way that would compromise its fire rating. They will also test the home's smoke detectors.

The inspector will check for visible leaks, properly secured toilets, adequate ventilation, and other issues. If the bathroom does not have a window or a ventilation fan, mold and mildew can become problems, and moisture can warp wood cabinets over time. Testing specifically for radon is the only way to determine its presence, so you may want to hire a tester prior to purchasing a home, especially if you live in an area where there are elevated levels.

If you have concerns about pests, or your general home inspector notes the presence of pests, hiring a designated pest inspector may be in your best interest.

Asbestos is a building product that causes cancer, and it was used frequently in homes built prior to Although home inspectors look at the physical condition of the home and determine if it passes or fails standards, they will not look at municipal code compliance. Mold is very common in buildings and homes, and large mold infestations can usually be seen or smelled.

However, if mold is behind a wall, it can be hard to detect. If you suspect a problem, make sure to get it checked out. If you are buying a property with a well, a specific well inspection is crucial because groundwater is subject to contamination. While a garage may be included in a home inspection, sheds and other outbuildings generally are not included.

Make sure to check with your home inspector to determine if any detached buildings will be excluded from the inspection. Home inspections are wide-ranging, but there are areas that a general inspection can miss.

Buyer Resources. Table of Contents. Basement If the home has a basement , the inspector will check to make sure that it has a solid foundation, walls, and floor. Attic An attic inspection is similar to a basement inspection — inspectors look for leaks and moisture. HVAC HVAC systems — also known as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning — need to be inspected to make sure that everything is functioning properly and safely.

Walls and ceilings Foundational problems as small as cracks can cause big problems for a homeowner down the road. Floors As with walls and ceilings, a home inspection will look for cracks and leaks in flooring, as well as proper installation. Windows and doors A home inspection will look at whether windows and exterior doors open and latch properly, as well as whether there is any broken glass. Appliances Any built-in or free-standing appliances are checked for proper functioning during the home inspection.

Safety A home inspection includes a number of safety concerns. Alarm systems A home inspector will look at locks on doors and windows, but will not look at the alarm system during a general inspection. Radon Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer and cannot be seen or smelled.