Whether you’re buying your first home or a seasoned homeowner, a professional inspection can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs. Your inspector home will evaluate the basic “envelope” of the house, including stairs, windows and doors. They’ll also go on the roof (if it’s safe to do so) and test all the electrical outlets for safety.
Plumbing
Home inspectors check all the visible plumbing components, including sinks, toilets and tubs, to make sure they’re working properly. They may also look for water leaks, clogged drains and other issues that could be costly if left unchecked.
They’ll also inspect laundry rooms, making sure clothes dryers are properly vented to avoid lint buildup that can cause fires. They’ll also test the maximum temperature of a home’s hot water heater.
Home inspection professionals typically don’t take risks, such as climbing on a steep roof or entering a locked area, but they may note when an area or system requires further examination by a specialist.
Heating and Cooling
Many new home buyers find themselves buried under unexpected repair costs when they move into their new homes. A home inspector can help avoid such problems by pointing out the issues that need to be addressed.
However, inspectors are not licensed specialists in HVAC systems. They typically conduct only a basic test of the heating and air conditioning equipment by turning on the AC to see if it drops the temperature and on the furnace to see if it raises it. This is insufficient to gauge how well a system performs over time. A licensed specialist should be consulted to do this evaluation.
Electrical
During an electrical home inspection, inspectors ensure that your house has enough power outlets and circuits, the wires are the right gauge, and that your home has a grounding system (to prevent electric shock). They also check that any GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets in areas where electricity and water are close by (like in bathrooms or kitchens) are up to code.
New homes and remodeled homes typically require a full electrical inspection after construction is completed. However, even older houses can benefit from a professional inspection before you buy it or sell it. A professional will make sure that all the wiring is up to date and that there are no potential fire hazards.
Roof
The inspector will wear booties and examine the inside of an accessible attic space, attached garages and roof for any signs of leaks. They will also walk around the outside perimeter of a house looking for rot or damage to the exterior and take pictures.
They may be able to tell you whether a roof needs replacing based on their experience. They might be able to give you a rough idea of how long your current roof will last as well.
They look for rust on the thin metal flashing that lines penetrations like skylights and chimneys and check fascia boards, which run along the edges of the roof overhangs, for rotting and warping.
Attic
Home inspectors often use thermal imaging cameras in the attic. This technology allows inspectors to see areas with temperature differences, which may indicate leaks or poor ventilation.
The attic is also where home inspectors look for structural problems like rotted or damaged roof sheathing and framing. They also check for insulation and ventilation.
If they find stains on the roof sheathing and framing, it could mean there was a leak at some point. The home inspector will note this in the report.
Basement or Crawl Space
While homeowners don’t go down to their crawl spaces much, a professional home inspector will take a close look at the space’s nooks and crannies. The space can be a time capsule of past renovations and other activities that affect the home. It can also reveal issues like wood rot and pest infestations that can cause damage to the rest of the house.
A crawl space inspection may also include radon testing to protect family health. If the crawl space soil smells musty, it could indicate moisture that is affecting the wood beams and joists of the house. A professional home inspector can provide solutions to these problems.