Home inspections play a vital role in the home buying process. They provide you a way out if there are any significant problems with the home and ensure you are aware of future repairs that may be necessary. At the very least, home inspections help put you more at ease when making such a large investment.
However, it’s worth noting that home inspections aren’t all-encompassing and won’t include everything. While they include the most significant aspects of a home, there are some things that won’t be included.
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Things That Aren’t Included in Home Inspections
Just because a home inspector doesn’t look for something doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be on your mind. Nonetheless, here are some things that home inspectors won’t look for:
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Pests
While home inspectors will note any pest infestations that they happen to see, they will not actively seek them out. Many pests remain hidden within walls and unseen by home inspectors, but they can lead to expensive repairs.
If you’re buying an older home, it’s worthwhile to hire someone to look for pest infestations. They’ll be able to inform you if you do have a pest problem and if so, what kind and how much the problem will cost to fix.
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Mold or Toxic Substances
Mold is another sneaky problem that your home inspector will only note if it’s severe enough to be seen without looking for it. If you’re suspicious that the home may have been exposed to toxic substances or the house is old, you should definitely bring in a professional to double-check.
In the case of old homes, asbestos may still be a concern. Radon and lead paint are two other significant concerns that pop up during inspections. As these can cause serious health complications, it’s important that you know about them before you move in.
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Sewer
Home inspectors will not inspect sewer lines, but more people are requesting sewer line inspections before buying a home. This is because any problems between the home and the city line are often expensive to repair and need to be done as quickly as possible.
Even if the home you are buying is newer, it can be worth bringing someone in to inspect the sewer line. Things such as cracks, tree roots, clogs, and collapsed lines are costly and need to be repaired immediately.
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Fireplace and Chimneys
If your potential home has a fireplace and chimney, you should still get it inspected, even if it’s not included in a typical home inspection. You never know what could be hiding in a chimney, and if your fireplace isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to health concerns and fire safety hazards.
Fireplace and chimney inspections will cover vent systems, flues, seals, gaskets, fire screens and doors, mantels, combustion air components, heat distribution, and automatic fuel feeding devices. If anything is found to be wrong with one of the parts, you’ll know well enough ahead of time to fix it before you move in.
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Electrical Components
Home inspectors won’t analyze the inner workings of an electrical system, and since so many safety procedures are often overlooked, it’s crucial to hire someone to take a look. If the seller built your home, they may have cut corners when it comes to electrical safety. A professional inspector will immediately recognize potential hazards or problems.
Conclusion
Buying a home is a major milestone that many people are eager to achieve. Since it is such a significant investment, it’s vital that you don’t rush into it. The last thing you want to do is invest in a home that will cost you too much in repairs.