10 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection
Homebuyers Want to Know Your Home Inside And Out
While homebuyers are as individual as the homes they plan on purchasing, one thing they share is a desire to ensure that the home they will call their own is as good beneath the surface as it appears to be.
Will the roof end up leaking? Is the wiring safe? What about the plumbing?
These and others are the questions that the buyers looking at your home will seek professional help to answer.
According to industry experts, there are at least 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection. We’ve identified the 11 most common of these and, if not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair.
In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for. And knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.
When you put your home on the market, you don’t want any unpleasant surprises that could cost you the sale of your home.
By having an understanding of these 11 problem areas as you walk through your home, you’ll be arming yourself against future disappointment.
1. Defective Plumbing
Defective plumbing can manifest itself in two different ways: leaking and clogging. A visual inspection can detect leaking, and an inspector will gauge water pressure by turning on all faucets in the highest bathroom and then flushing the toilet.
If you hear the sound of running water, it indicates that the pipes are undersized. If the water appears dirty when first turned on at the faucet, this is a good indication that the pipes are rusting, which can result in severe water quality problems.
2. Inadequate Wiring and Electrical
Your home should have a minimum of 100 amps service, and this should be clearly marked. The wire should be copper or aluminum.
Home inspectors will look at octopus plugs as indicative of inadequate circuits and a potential fire hazard.
3. Poor Heating and Cooling Systems
Insufficient insulation, and an inadequate or poorly functioning heating system, are the most common causes of poor heating. While an adequately clean furnace, without rust on the heat exchanger, usually has life left in it, an inspector will be asking and checking to see if your furnace is over its typical life span of 15–25 yrs. For a forced air gas system, a heat exchanger will come under particular scrutiny since one that is cracked can emit deadly carbon monoxide into the home. These heat exchangers must be replaced if damaged - they cannot be repaired.
4. Roofing Problems
Water leakage through the roof can occur for a variety of reasons such as physical deterioration of the asphalt shingles (e.g. curling or splitting), or mechanical damage from a wind storm. When gutters leak and downspouts allow water to run down and through the exterior walls, this external problem becomes a major internal one.
5. Damp Attic Spaces
Aside from basement dampness, problems with ventilation, insulation, and vapor barriers can cause water, moisture, mold, and mildew to form in the attic. This can lead to premature wear of the roof, structure, and building materials. The cost to fix this damage could easily run over $2,500.
6. Rotting Wood
This can occur in many places (door or window frames, trim, siding, decks, and fences). Do a visual inspection of these areas and see if you see any visible damage or anything that you as a buyer would consider wanting to be replaced.
7. Fireplaces & Chimneys
Most modern homes have a "gas-only" fireplace these have a firebox that's made from a thinner firebrick that can crack or damage if the wood is burned in the fireplace as wood burns hotter than gas, Also make sure that there is proper screening or covering for the fireplace and that the flue vent is functioning properly. With older homes with an actual chimney make sure that there is a proper functioning chimney cap screen and that the chimney shows no obvious signs of wear or cracking, If you own an older home you might consider having a licensed chimney & fireplace repair expert out to do an inspection for you before putting your home on the market.
8. Unsafe or Overused Electrical Circuit
A fire hazard is created when more amperage is drawn on the circuit than was intended. 15 amp circuits are the most common in a typical home, with larger service for large appliances such as stoves and dryers. It can cost several hundred dollars to replace your fuse panel with a circuit panel.
9. Adequate Security Features
More than a purchased security system, an inspector will look for the basic safety features that will protect your home such as proper locks on windows and patio doors, deadbolts on the doors, smoke, and even carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom and every level. Even though pricing will vary, these components will add to your costs. Before purchasing or installing, you should check with your local experts.
10. Structural / Foundation Problems
An inspector will certainly investigate the underlying footing and foundation of your home as structural integrity is fundamental to your home.
By having an understanding of these problem areas as you walk through your home, you’ll be arming yourself against future disappointment or worse yet an unrealistic request for repairs based on what a buyer thinks these repairs will cost.
If you have any more questions on this subject, don't hesitate to call us at (714)-406-1414.