A home inspection is a thorough examination of the home and property; the inspection is conducted by a professional inspector who has undergone extensive training to perform these inspections.
Home inspections are typically conducted before the sale or purchase of a house to identify any problems with the property. The inspector will look for anything that may threaten the property’s safety, comfort, and value.
You would want to get a home inspection; home inspections may be required before buying your new home, for an existing home, or before selling a home. One common reason for inspecting a property in all these scenarios is that it gives you peace of mind knowing that the property, whether a house or a commercial building, is safe and sound and does not have any major issues once you move in. Another reason for getting an inspection is to find out any potential problems with the house so you can make an informed decision about what actions to take in the future.
How Inspections Work
The inspection process may seem overwhelming, but on the contrary, it is relatively simple. Home inspectors typically spend an hour to two hours inspecting properties, depending on their size. The length of the inspection depends on factors such as the age of the house, its condition, the size of the house, and how experienced the home inspector is. An untrained or amateur inspector may take longer than one who has spent years inspecting properties and is familiar with the area.
A typical inspection can be segmented into the following and here is what they entail:
– Walkthrough: The inspector will walk through the property and take notes about what they see in terms of potential problems or issues.
– Outside Inspection: The inspector will inspect the property’s perimeter and look for any red flags that would indicate problems with the house. The exterior is typically inspected for cladding, home grading, gutters, and slopes.
– Inside: In this stage, they’ll look at things like electrical systems, plumbing, signs of mold, pests, and more to determine if there’s anything that could be potentially dangerous or costly to repair. Issues like radon are not visible tot he inspector and need professional radon testing in Peachtree City.
– Roof: The roof is one of the essential parts of an inspection because it can lead to severe damage to the rest of the house. The home’s roof takes the most brunt and is the hardest hit by the elements. It is often ignored because it is out of sight and not easily accessible. Water damage if it’s not maintained correctly.
– Foundation: A foundation inspection looks at the materials that make up your home’s foundation and whether they have been compromised over age or due to external factors such as flooding, a shift in the earth below, or biological activities such as storms or earthquakes.
– Exterior: It’s essential to have an exterior inspection because it could lead to problems with water, mold, and pests. The homes cladding can bubble up and retain a mixture, which can go unnoticed for a long period. Regular home inspections are necessary to unveil all hidden issues.
– Drainage System: This is one of the most critical inspections because it can lead to costly plumbing repairs in the future if there’s anything wrong with them. Leaked and cracked pipes may cause severe damage to the home’s structure or its foundation. The repair for these can lead up to thousands of dollars in repair. Drainage system issues also go unnoticed till it’s too late.
Fixing the Biggest Issues First
The inspections are done, and you have a report with a long list of problems. An inspection isn’t of any use until the issues listed by a home inspector are addressed timely. Pushing problems under the rug is no good and can cost you ten times more to repair in the long run if delayed.
If an inspection report is overwhelming you, dont hesitate to ask your home inspector for advice on tackling the issues listed. An inspector’s job is not just to perform an inspection but also to educate homeowners about the issues, refer professionals for repairs when asked, and advise on what needs urgent care and can be delayed and can wait. The first thing you should do is identify the biggest issues in your home inspection report. This way, you can start getting these fixed as soon as possible while they are still fresh in your mind.
A home inspector will help you identify the most significant issues in your home inspection report. He may suggest you to have radon testing in Peachtree City GA if your home falls in the high radon level zone. This way, you can start fixing things before they become a bigger problem.
The list of the most common problems that usually need immediate attention include:
- Structural issues
- Safety hazards
- Moisture and mold problems
- Roofing and chimney issues
- Plumbing, electrical, and septic system problems
- Termites or other pests
What Should I Do for Minor Issues?
Minor issues are not always a big deal, but they can become a massive problem if they are not fixed in a timely fashion. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for minor issues. Address these issues when convenient but never leave them unattended. Minor unfixed problems around the home can aggravate and also lead to unrest. If living in a rental, it is best to call the landlord or property manager and let them know about the issue. If you cannot contact them, you should try getting their emergency contact person or company to inform them about the problem.
The next step is how to resolve the issue. For example, if there is a leaky faucet, it would be best to call a plumber for help. If there’s an infestation of bugs in your apartment, you may want to reach out to an exterminator for assistance.
There are many reasons why you should maintain your property. One is that it helps with the value of the property. People will be more likely to buy a house that looks well maintained than a house with trash in front of it or an unkempt lawn. Another reason is that not maintaining your property can lead to serious health issues, such as mold and mildew, which can cause breathing problems and even lower your immune system. And finally, if you don’t maintain your property, you will have to spend more on repairs and replacements when something breaks or goes wrong within the home.
