It’s easy to get swept away in the excitement of buying a new home, but it’s important to know the different types of home inspections before you close the deal. A home can look perfect on the outside, but have underlying issues that impact its value and longevity.
If a general inspector finds warning signs of mold or pests in your home, they might suggest you have a specialist take a look at it. A specialty home inspector will then diagnose the problem and estimate the cost to remedy it.
Assuming there is a home inspection contingency in your purchase agreement, you might decide to walk away from the sale or negotiate for a lower price.
As you move forward in your home buying journey, you should know the different types of home inspections you can invest in.
Home inspections help you figure out whether you’ve found the right house .
Here are the benefits of conducting a home inspection before you buy:
Once your inspection is complete, your home inspector may suggest you get one of the specialty inspections below.
Sometimes roofs experience issues such as moss, mold, rotting wood or damaged shingles. If left unchecked, these problems can escalate, requiring you to pay for a new roof or a professional cleaning to remove any health hazards.
Ask your agent, friends and family for recommendations for a reputable roof inspector licensed by the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association (NRCIA).
Neglected chimneys can lead to unintended house fires , carbon monoxide exposure and water damage. A chimney inspection can diagnose buildup of creosote, a flammable material, and any harmful obstructions such as twigs and leaves. Chimney inspections normally cost $150 to $500.
A chimney specialist with their Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) Certification.
Exposed and frayed electrical wires can cause malfunctions, damage to electric appliances or sparks that lead to fires.
An electrical inspection helps identify and prevent these problems while ensuring your electrical systems are running efficiently and safely.
Your agent can refer you to a licensed electrician registered in your local area. Note that working with unlicensed electricians could void your homeowners insurance .
An unchecked crawl space can lead to poor indoor air quality and increased heating and cooling bills. Excessive dampness in your crawl space causes wood rot and rust, which can damage the structures supporting your home. Damage isn’t always visible to an untrained eye, which is why a professional must take a look.
General home inspectors can perform crawl inspections but can’t always solve the issues that arise. Depending on the diagnosed problems, you may need to enlist help from a mold remediation company, an HVAC professional or a foundation repair professional.
Lead-based paint is common in older homes built before 1978 – the year it was banned. Lead paint is still present in modern homes, sometimes hidden below fresh layers of paint. Lead poisoning can cause muscle weakness and nausea in adults and developmental and other health problems in children.
Lead-based paint inspections must be performed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or by a firm it authorizes. Visit the EPA’s website to find out what options are available in your state.
A neglected HVAC system could lead to uneven temperatures, carbon monoxide exposure or the need to replace your entire system. An HVAC inspection prevents unexpected breakdowns and ensures your equipment is running efficiently and safely.
Ask your agent to refer you to a local, licensed HVAC technician. Check a technician’s third-party reviews and licensing information online to ensure you’re in good hands.
Septic tanks are necessary for disposing of water and waste from washers, sinks, showers and toilets. Your inspector will determine if the system needs to be pumped, if it’s operating properly and if it has any cracks or structural issues. The Washington State Department of Health recommends that you inspect your system once every 3 years.
To solve any septic issues, you’ll need a plumber or a septic tank professional. Plumbers are the cheaper option and can solve most blockage or drainage issues, but you must hire a septic professional for problems with the septic tank itself.
Learn what your home inspection covers and what it doesn't.
Bedbugs, cockroaches, rodents and other pests can cause health hazards to both a home and the people living in it. Termites can damage the structure of your home while rodents and bugs can spread diseases.
Since pests can find their way in your home through wall crevices or damaged floorboards, pest inspections may also help you identify other damages to your home.
Search for local, licensed pest companies with positive third-party reviews.
A report by the National Research Council suggests that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. Radon testing is important for a home so you can limit your exposure and protect your health. Radon can enter the home through crawl spaces, basements, cracks or windows.
Since you can’t see, taste or smell radon, there are no warning signs. The only way to find out your home’s levels is to test for it.
You can conduct a radon test by yourself or hire a professional. Contact your state radon office for a list of qualified radon testers and to find out if you qualify for any discounted or free radon test kits.
Soil inspections are particularly important for homes on hillsides. A soil stability inspection ensures that the earth under your home won’t erode, resulting in an unstable foundation. You might need a soil inspection if you’re in an area known for soil contamination.
Search for soil engineers, also known as geotechnical engineers, in your area to schedule a soil inspection.
Asbestos materials were frequently found in construction materials for homes before the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos in the air can increase your risk of developing lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and other harmful diseases. While asbestos can only be identified through lab-testing, the older your home is, the more likely it is to have asbestos.
Note: If you find asbestos in your home, do not disturb it until a professional looks at it. Asbestos is mostly safe, so long as you don’t touch or interact with it.
Asbestos abatement professionals can locate and safely remove asbestos from a home. Since asbestos professionals aren’t required to be licensed, it’s important to research reviews and testimonials before hiring someone.
Mold spores will flourish on any surface where it’s moist, whether indoors or outdoors.
This means any area that has experienced water damage or high rates of condensation is susceptible to mold. Mold can produce allergens, mycotoxins and irritants that can cause health problems, particularly for people with weak immune systems.
According to the EPA, if a moldy area is less than 10 square feet, you can remove the mold yourself. If the infestation is larger, you’ll need to hire a mold remediation company.
Plumbing issues can result in dripping faucets, low water pressure or leaks that can cause mold or mildew problems. It’s crucial to inspect your plumbing for corroded or leaky pipes and to ensure your water heater is working properly. Catching these issues early helps you avoid home damage and costly repairs.
A professional plumber can diagnose any issues with your system. Licensing requirements vary by state, so research the plumber’s credentials and previous experience before hiring them.
The foundation of your home supports your home structure while keeping out groundwater and providing insulation. An unreliable foundation can cause cracked walls, uneven floors, mold damage and jammed doors while reducing the value of your home. While many foundation issues are cosmetic, an inspection will give you peace of mind.
Foundation inspectors, also known as structural engineers, can examine your foundation and diagnose any potential issues. Sometimes mortgage lenders provide lists of nearby, reputable structural engineers.
Pools need regular maintenance to remain sanitary and safe. A pool inspection ensures that plumbing lines are free of leaks and that pool lights are properly functioning and mold-free.
Certified pool inspectors can diagnose any issues and offer solutions for your pool. Some home inspectors offer pool inspections bundled with their general inspection, but make sure they’re qualified before you accept.
Home inspections are a typical part of the home buying process that protects the buyer and ensures they understand the full condition of their new home. There are several types of home inspections that cover everything from the soil and foundation, up to the roof shingles.
Ideally, a home will pass inspection with flying colors or highlight a few minor repairs. If an inspection reveals severe issues, you might negotiate a lower house price or walk away from the deal completely.
If you’re looking to buy a home, speak to a home buying expert for guidance.
Visit Rocket Homes Real Estate LLC to get connected with an experienced agent in your area.