Buying a home is a life adventure that comes with lots of projects and responsibilities. Recent research has revealed moving costs increased by 15% in 2021, with a long-distance move averaging at about $5,000, which is why planning for your move should take priority. Before even arriving, you have to make a packing checklist, research the best moving companies and know what you plan to give away before the big day. One big checklist item you should not look over is your home inspection.
There are a handful of things you’ll want to make sure your home inspector catches to ensure a smooth transition. Here they are:
Foundation and Framing
It’s important that your inspector checks over all the structural elements of your home like foundation and framing. If the condition is poor, you’ll need to make a comprehensive game plan on how you’ll improve the structure. A structural engineer is beneficial in giving an in-depth inspection.
Roofing
A roof inspection is absolutely essential to your home inspection. The inspector should know to look at the roof drainage system as well as the flashing and chimney. The home inspector should also be able to identify roofing materials as well as how the roof was constructed.
Electrical System
While your electrical system is a huge part of your home (and may involve some stress while the home inspector checks it over), rest assured that good electrical means a safe and happy home, and it’s well worth the effort to inspect. Your inspector should check the service drop and conductors, all cables and raceways, interior panels and conductors, service grounding and estimate the number of light fixtures. When inspecting the electrical wiring of a potential home, it’s crucial for the home inspector to thoroughly assess the difference between single conductor vs multi conductor cable to ensure safety and efficiency.
You’ll know you have a good inspector if they hand you a full report of where all panels are located, detail the primary wiring method, identify all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and estimate the amperage rating of service.
All Exterior Elements
The exterior of your home (meaning wall coverings, doors, attached decks, patios and balconies, closeby walkways and driveways) should be thoroughly looked over by your inspector to ensure safety and soundness.
For those looking at homes for sale in Washington DC, it’s crucial to understand that the city’s historical and architectural diversity requires a well-experienced inspector capable of assessing homes of varying ages and constructions. From brick row houses in the city to more modern homes in the suburbs, make sure your inspector has experience with a variety of home types.
All Interior Elements
Similarly to exterior elements, your inspector should look at your interior walls, floors, ceilings, staircases and their corresponding steps, garage doors, countertops and all big appliances. The inspector should also be able to provide a number of installed cabinets, doors and windows.
Plumbing
We don’t need to explain why good plumbing is crucial for a great home, so your inspector shouldn’t need much direction in inspecting all faucets, fixtures, drains, venting and waste systems, water heating equipment and sewage ejectors and piping. Your inspector should provide a full report including a thorough description of the system, materials used, energy sources and all valves.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Your new home’s HVAC system could be brand new—or 20 years old and in desperate need of maintenance. Your inspector’s job is to check over all systems and equipment as well as vent and heat/air conditioning distribution systems. All readily openable access panels should be checked as well.
Fireplace and Other Fuel-Burning Appliances
We’re talking chimneys and their vent systems, all fireplaces and inserts and fuel-burning appliances and stoves. Note that your inspector is not supposed to be assessing the efficiency of the heating elements but rather checking for gas leaks and other safety concerns.
Insulation and Ventilation
While inspectors shouldn’t compromise or disturb the insulation, they can only do so much examining. However, that should include the attics, crawlspaces, basement and exhaust systems as well as check the vapor retarders in unfinished rooms.
Bottom Line
Knowing exactly which areas of your home a home inspector should tackle will help you not only ensure your space is totally safe and ready for move-in but also guarantee that the home inspector you hired is thorough enough to be credible. If your chosen home inspector misses these steps, it’s a great indication to choose another service or contractor for the job.
