If you’re in the market for a new home, it’s important for you to start preparing for a property inspection before you even make an offer on a property you’re interested in purchasing, especially if the local real estate marking is busy. Property inspections take time and it’s generally wise to research at the beginning of your home buying process and not wait until you need to schedule the inspection.
What’s on a Property Inspection Checklist?
Even if you attended a property inspection prior to buying your current residence, you may not be familiar with everything that a property inspection covers.
While a home inspection checklist clearly includes many items, it doesn’t include everything and using one doesn’t mean an inspector will be able to check every item on the list. Inspectors are only required to check the things they can see, which may mean some things will go unobserved. Even though a home inspection checklist is often exhaustive, it won’t include things such as underground pipes, hot tubs, or septic systems.
Here are a few of the things you can expect to see on a property inspection checklist:
- Grounds: Although an inspector isn’t going to dig up the ground during a property inspection, the person will observe the grounds and look for water issues that may cause problems down the line, such as soft spots or standing ponds of water. They’ll also look at the property’s landscaping, pathways, handrails, and outbuildings.
- Foundation: Inspectors look for things that indicate a home’s foundation has shifted, such as cracks and uneven ceilings. They’ll also look for any landscaping features such as trees that might be encroaching upon the home’s foundation.
- Roof: A professional inspector will examine the roof for defects which may cause leaks or loosen gutters. If the home you’re thinking about buying has a chimney and skylight, your inspector will examine them as well.
- Exterior: A home inspector will examine the exterior of a home and look for cracks, rot, flaky paint and bowing, among other defects. If the residence has siding, your inspector will also ensure there’s enough room between the siding and exposed ground to prevent damage from moisture.
- Interior: Inspectors look for walls that lean, which could be a sign of improper framing, and stains on the ceiling, which may be a sign of leaks, as they go through a home. The also make sure interior rooms have adequate insulation and heating vents.
A home inspector will check on many other things during a property inspection, including a home’s plumbing, bathrooms, kitchen, and electrical system. If you want to learn more about home inspections, we encourage you to contact Inspecta-Homes or visit our FAQ page for more information about property inspections. If you’re ready to schedule a home inspection, give us a call or request an appointment for a property inspection online now.