When a house sales contract is signed the next most important step is to have a home inspection. You like so many features of the home that you decided to purchase it. But what about the condition of the home?
This is where a home inspection comes in to answer that question. Although the components listed below is comprehensive there are more items that are inspected during your inspection.
· Are there any structural problems with the foundation?
· Is water penetration occurring into the basement area? If so is mold present?
· Next what is the condition and age of the utilities?
· Is the electrical panel that distributes electricity to the home wired and grounded correctly?
· Are there any defects or old style ungrounded wiring installed throughout the home?
· What about the heating system? Does the heating system circulate heated air or hot water throughout the home? What's the age of the heating system?
· Is the plumbing water and drainage supply lines free from defect?
· What type of water heater and capacity is installed and its age? Is the water temperature too hot to cause injury?
· Do all the plumbing fixtures in the bathrooms and kitchen work properly?
· Is there a well that provides water to the home which needs to be tested for contaminants?
· Is there a septic system which also needs evaluation?
· Is there an attic? Is there access into the attic area?
· Is there any signs of structural defects to the roof system or signs of water penetration?
· Is the insulation sufficient in conserving on fuel costs and is the ventilation system working properly?
· What condition are all the interior floor, wall and ceiling finishes, windows and doors in?
· At the exterior what kind of siding and roofing materials are installed and their condition?
· Is the roof intact or shows signs of deterioration and possible leaking?
· If there are decks or porches are they built properly and free of defects? Deck failures are the number one cause of injury and litigation.
· Is there an attached garage and does the entry door provide proper fire safety protection? Does the overhead door function properly and reverse position if obstructed to prevent injury or damage.
· Does the landscaping provide proper drainage of surface water away from the home?
All of these questions are answered during your home inspection and subsequently included in your inspection report. If defects are presents photos of the defects are included with details.
Click the link below to see a Sample Inspection Report.
So now you have an idea of what a home inspection covers. To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions we're available to answer them. Call us at 518 734-4662.