Just like the human body, a house consists of many complex systems. The body has skeletal, nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems, and a home has heating, plumbing, electric, and structural systems. Like a human, a home can look in good health while hiding major problems internally. The older the home, the more likely it has unaddressed issues. An essential step of the home buying experience that will reveal the true health of a prospective home is a home inspection. In this article, we’re going to look at the importance of a home inspection and what they mean to first-time buyers.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspector’s job is to assess the condition of a home. A home inspection is a complete visual examination of a property by a qualified third-party home inspector. A thorough inspection will include:
- Inspection of the roof, vents, shingles, chimney, and gutters.
- Inspection of structural elements including the foundation, walls, floors, doors, and windows.
- Electrical and Plumbing inspection
- Safety inspection including smoke detectors, handrails, and guardrails.
- Grading inspection to check for good drainage on the property.
- Heating and Cooling system check
- Basement and exterior foundations are examined for cracks and water damage
- Ventilation and insulation evaluations
- Exterior siding, garage door, and fencing evaluation
- Driveway and walkway surface checks
What Does a Home Inspection NOT Include?
As you can see a home inspection will tell you a lot of critical information about a home you’re thinking about buying. But, a home inspection will not tell you everything. They may find symptoms of a problem, but it will take a specialist for an accurate diagnosis of the source of the problem.
Home inspectors will not have access to inaccessible parts of a home, like areas behind walls, electrical panels, inside pipes, sewer lines, and chimneys. Although they will indicate evidence when they find it, they don’t provide feedback on specialized issues like:
- Termite damage
- Mold
- Asbestos
If the inspector finds issues that need to be addressed that doesn’t mean the home isn’t worth buying. The findings can be used in the negotiation process with the seller. You can ask them to take care of the issues or get the asking price reduced and take care of them yourself.
Newer homes need inspections too. Newer homes aren’t built to last like homes of old and can have structural issues or damaged areas that need to be repaired. Ideally, you’ll be present when the inspector goes make the inspection, so you can get a better understanding of their report.
Is a Home Inspection Required?
Aside from mitigating risk for yourself, mortgage lenders often require a home inspection before you can close. If for some reason a home inspection is not required, it’s highly advisable you get one regardless. In fact, your purchase agreement should include a contingency based on the finding of the home inspection.