When it comes to buying a house, ensuring that you’re getting a good deal is essential. After all, if there are expensive repairs that will need to be done immediately, you can often negotiate with the seller to either complete the repairs for you or reduce the price of the house accordingly. However, you can only do this if you know what needs to be repaired.

Home inspections are vital to the home buying process. No wise future homeowner will buy a house without one. This is because home inspections can reveal hidden issues that you may not notice, and as such, they can provide a safety net for buyers.

Home inspections won’t cover everything, but the best home inspector will be very thorough and focus on enough that you should feel comfortable with your purchase.

Main Focal Points of a Home Inspection

Home inspectors are trained to recognize problems on the spot and will look at the many aspects of a prospective home and let you know if there are things to be concerned about immediately or in the near future.

If you have specific concerns about the home, you’ll want to hire a specific expert as well. For example, many people choose to have a pest control expert come and inspect the home, but this is not always necessary.

In a home inspection, the inspector will look at these main things:

  1. Structural integrity

Our home inspector will look at the structural integrity of your home, including the attic, crawlspace, basement, framing, roof, and walls. We’ll be able to identify any obvious and immediate concerns.

  1. Plumbing

Inspectors will check all facets of the home’s plumbing system, looking for leaks or damage that could need to be repaired. Most inspectors will look for Polybutylene pipes, a common type of pipe used in construction during the 80s and 90s, but which has since been banned.

If a home inspector notes a plumbing concern, you should contact an additional specialist to take a closer look at the system. Visible issues are often caused by deeper, invisible issues that only expert plumbers will know to recognize.

  1. Electrical

Many homes are damaged or destroyed in electrical fires, so it’s vital to ensure your potential home’s electrical system is safe and functional. Our home inspector will do just that, checking to make sure that all switches work, no wires are sticking out, and that no branches or bushes are hindering the system.

  1. Doors and windows

Home inspectors test all doors and windows to ensure they open and close properly. We’ll also check all bedrooms to ensure at least one functional window that can act as an emergency exit if needed. 

In addition to checking the doors and windows themselves, we’ll also inspect the door frames and window frames to ensure they aren’t sagging or crooked.

  1. HVAC

Most homes are equipped with an HVAC system, so a home inspector will give it a good look. During the inspection, we’ll ensure the system is in good condition and that all parts are functional. However, if you have further concerns about the system, you’ll need to contact an HVAC technician for a closer inspection.

Let Us Inspect Your Potential Home Before You Purchase It

Home inspections are a vital part of the home buying process and should not be skipped. While many first-time buyers may think they’re unnecessary, they’re one part of the process that you absolutely should not skip. From finding expensive future repairs to uncovering dangerous living conditions, home inspections ensure you’ll be safe before you move in.