Home inspections are a vital step in buying a home. They provide you with an easy out if an expensive repair is needed and can give you a good idea of the state of your future home. However, it’s crucial to know what is not included in a traditional home inspection.
Looking for the best home inspector in Orlando?
Things That Aren’t Included in a Home Inspection
If you want a broader, more thorough report of your home, you’ll need to hire more than just a home inspector. There are some things that home inspectors aren’t allowed to cover, such as dealing with exposed wiring or trying non-operational systems.
Here are some more things that aren’t included with your home inspection, but that we recommend you have a professional look at before closing your sale just in case.
Pest infestations
Home inspectors will note any significant signs of pest infestations that they find, but they will not look for them. You’ll only see a note of it if the infestation is bad enough that the inspector could notice it simply by looking around the home.
If you’re buying an older house or concerned about pest infestations in general, it can be worthwhile to bring in a specialist to look around the house. They’ll be able to determine if there is an infestation and if there is, what kind of pests you’re dealing with, how bad the infestation is, and the procedure for getting rid of them.
Mold and Toxic Substances
Again, you won’t receive a warning about potential mold or toxic substances unless the problem is so bad that your home inspector finds it when performing a regular sight inspection. If you have concerns about the house, it’s worth hiring someone to double-check before purchasing.
In older homes especially, asbestos can be a deadly problem. Specialists will also check for lead paint, toxic mold growth, and radon. If not caught, these unseen problems cause major health complications and can be expensive to repair, so make sure to have your potential home checked before you commit.
Swimming Pools and Spas
If your new home has a swimming pool or spa, you’re probably pretty eager to move in to enjoy it. Despite often being a key selling feature, pools and spas will not be inspected during a traditional home inspection.
Due to the expensive maintenance that is often involved with owning a pool or spa, it’s in your best interest to make sure it’s functioning before you buy the home. Once the sale is closed, any pre-existing complications will be up to you to take care of.
Having your pool or spa examined before buying a home will give you a better idea of the necessary maintenance and notify you of any potential or pre-existing problems.
Detached structures
Things such as garden sheds, garages, and barns won’t be included in a home inspection, but they’re worth having checked out. In some cases, you may be able to hire the same inspector to cover these structures but expect to pay an extra fee.
Although not nearly as important as your home, ensuring that a garage, shed, or barn is in good condition should make it onto your list of things to do. Just like houses, there can be expensive structural maintenance, and it can be an unfortunate surprise if you don’t know about it ahead of time.
Conclusion
Buying a home is a big deal, but it’s crucial not to rush into it. Even if it can be challenging to find a home you like, take the time to hire a home inspector and arrange for additional inspections. By taking the extra precaution, you can save yourself from costly repairs or potential health hazards.