Home inspection is a very important part of modern real estate. No home buyer should buy a home without getting a proper home inspection done. Understanding the important aspects of home improvement can help home buyers understand the type of properties they are buying.
General Checklist
When it comes to home inspection, it is important to understand that the checklist or guidelines vary from one state to another and even from one city to another. It is also important to understand that home inspectors are not licensed in every state. Therefore, you must choose your home inspector carefully.
In modern real estate market, home inspectors are not supposed to check everything. Though there is no specific checklist as to what they are supposed to check, there is a general checklist.
So, if you are getting home inspection done, you should know that the home inspector is supposed to check the quality of the construction of the walls, foundation, floors, roof and ceilings. If there are any problems, he or she is supposed to mention that in the report.
The home inspectors are also supposed to do a careful evaluation of the exterior of the house. This means that they are supposed to check the covering of the wall, the condition of the windows, fences, sidewalks, doors, drainage, landscaping, and lights.
Plumbing is another aspect that they have to inspect. They not only have to identify the type of pipe material that is used in the drainage system, but they also have to report on the condition of the sinks, faucets, showers, toilets, and traps. However, they are not responsible for conducting a sewer inspection.
Home inspection also involves inspecting the heating and the cooling system. The home inspector has to check whether the air conditioner is working properly or not. If the house has a central heating and/or cooling system, the home inspector will have to check the duct work. He or she will also have to inspect the fireplace and the water heaters.
Besides checking the heating and cooling system, the home inspector is responsible for checking the electrical appliances. In other words, he or she will have to inspect the ovens, microwave, garbage disposal, dishwasher, washers, smoke detectors, refrigerator, and all other electrical equipments that have been installed in the house.
If the house has a garage, the home inspector is responsible for inspecting that as well. In the garage, he or she has to check the condition of the walls, vents, lights, windows, roof, entry, and the fire alarm system.
Based on the inspection, the home inspector has to prepare a report detailing what needs to be fixed. The home inspector does not have to report on the equipment and parts that are in good condition. He or she only has to report on things that are defective or need repair.
Based on this report you can consult a contractor to see how much the repair work would cost you. If the cost is beyond your budget, you might have to rethink about buying that property.
Overall, home inspection is a crucial part of purchasing a home.