Buying your home is a very important purchase, perhaps the most important one you will make. So why take a gamble on your home not being in good condition? Home inspections can save you from spending tons of money down the road. For example if you get into your home without having an inspection done, what if the home is in need of a new roof? Or maybe there might even be a problem with the foundation, or even the structure. By getting your home inspected, it would make you aware of these problems before it’s too late. Here are a few examples on what a home inspection covers;
•Finds any items that need to be replaced or fixed
•Inspects all the major systems, which include; air conditioning, heater, pluming, and gas ext.
•Inspects the structure and mechanical systems as well
Here are some of the areas broken down into detail that the inspector will look at for you; interior, exterior, electric, structure, plumbing, heating, air conditioner. Let’s go through some of these one by one and find out why it is very important that they are looked at;
Exterior: Walking around the exterior of the home, the inspector will be looking for any structural faults of the home, as well as looking for any unusual deflections. When we say structural we are mainly talking about the roof, and foundation. These are considered some of the most important parts. Checking out the roof, the things that the inspector will be look at the roof flashing and shingles, chimneys, sky lights etc. making sure there are no water intrusions. Back down on the outside of the home the inspector will check out all the doors, foundation walls, windows, porches, decks, driveways and sidewalks ext ,making sure that everything is in good shape to keep you from any future surprises.
Interior: Now moving onto the inside of the home, the inspector will look at ceilings, walls, floors, doors, and windows to insure again that everything is in good shape. The inspection will also make sure there is no interior water damage. Next the inspector will move onto the attic. Making sure that once again, there is no structural damage. As well as making sure the ventilation and insulation are okay. When looking at ventilation and insulation, it is very important because these things can keep you from having to pay extremely high utility bills, not to mention it will keep you and your loved ones warm. They will also check out the basement to make sure that there is no structural or water damage there as well.
After the inspection is complete the inspector will write up a report with everything that was found and reviewed during the inspection.
Now that we have briefed you on some of the pieces of your home inspection, it is important that you keep all of this in mind when buying a home. Don’t just go off of any ones good word; go off of an inspector’s word. Make sure that you talk to your realtor about this so they can give you a better idea about the process and answer any questions you may have. It’s also important that you don’t just go with any inspector but that you make sure you do your homework on that as well.
Author Resource:
Jamie Mades is a Realtor in Colorado Springs specializing in residential real estate and relocation services. He is also founder and owner of Colorado Springs Team Real Estate, Inc.