Home inspections are a vital part of the home buying process. They are done by a licensed professional and can save you a lot of money in the long run. They can also prevent you from making a bad decision that could cost you big in the future. Many people want to skip home inspections, but understanding what they are and how they work can help you decide whether or not it is something that should be included in your home buying process.
The most important thing to remember when going through a home inspection is that the inspector is looking at what he or she can see. Whether it is the condition of the roof, the foundation or the plumbing system, the inspector will only be able to find what is readily available and visible to him or her.
That is why you need to be there during the home inspections caledon so that you can ask questions and take notes. You will be amazed at how much you can learn from a few hours of being in a house with an expert on hand.
Generally, a home inspector will start on the exterior and work his or her way through the rest of the home. They will look for signs of damage or weathering to the roof, walls and trim, as well as any cracks in the walls or foundation. They will also check the plumbing, examining faucets, shower heads, toilets and drains to make sure they are working properly. They will also check the electrical wiring to ensure that everything is up to date and that there are no dangerous exposed wires.
Inspectors will also test the ventilation in the attic, checking to make sure there are no leaks or rot. They will also check to make sure that the furnace and air conditioning is working as it should. They will also examine the attic for any insulation problems, as well as the condition of the septic tank and leach field.
Aside from the basic structural integrity of a home, the inspector will also be on the lookout for any safety hazards. That includes a functioning fire alarm, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors. In addition, the inspector will check that all windows and doors open and close easily and securely. They will also test a sample of the lighting and electrical outlets to make sure they are all working.
There are a few things that the inspector will not look at during a home inspection, though. They won’t inspect pools or spas, and they will not go on a ladder or walk in the attic to look for items. They also won’t inspect recreational facilities, like tennis courts or docks. Finally, they won’t conduct an inspection in a hazardous or unsafe situation.