So, you think you have found the new home of your dreams, but have you really? To ward off the fact that your new dream home can quickly turn into your worst nightmare, you will need to have a home inspection completed before the final purchase of the home goes through.
The results of an inspection will let you know if the purchase is a good one or a really bad mistake since it is done to identify any issues within your potential new home. This can include bug or pest infestations, safety or security concerns, or a myriad of other issues.
From a damaged roof to water leaks and so many more potential issues, a home inspection can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision on whether or not you should follow through with the purchase of a home after you have made an offer.
It is also a great tool for the homeowner to use so he or she can repair any potential issues before putting a house on the market for sale. A home inspection will also provide potential home buyers with the peace of mind in knowing that their new home is in good condition for them and their families.
Factors to Consider in a Home Inspection
There are many factors that you need to consider that can be revealed during a home inspection.
Mold or Water Damage, Lead, and Asbestos
Mold is more prevalent than most people think in their homes as approximately 70 percent of houses and other buildings have mold that is hidden in the walls.
It will depend on the type of mold that is inside a home as to how much it can cost to have it eradicated. This will also tell you if the home you are considering purchasing has extensive water damage and where it is located.
The home inspection can also reveal if there is lead or asbestos that is exposed in the home, which can be a health issue, especially for babies or small children.
Water damage, mold issues, or the presence of lead or asbestos can be a deal breaker for many potential home buyers and can definitely be a factor to bring up when negotiating the price of a house.
Read Also:
Heating and Cooling Issues
The home inspector will check all the systems of a home, which include the heating and cooling systems. If the home needs repairs or replacements for either the furnace or the air conditioning system, you should call upon HVAC contractor that can get the job done efficiently and properly so that you know your home is ready for any kind of weather at any time.
The Condition of the Roof
The roof is one of the main parts of a house since a leaking roof can cause all types of other damage to a house. The home inspector will be able to determine how old a roof is and will provide you with that information.
A roof that has been created with shingles made of asphalt needs to be replaced once every 15 to 30 years, while a roof that is made of metal will only need to be replaced every 50 to 75 years.
It’s very important to know and consider the age and condition of the roof before purchasing a house since a new roof is a very large expense to have right off the bat.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of your family are always the main priority, and you can always have an alarm system installed in any home, but you need to still look at the overall structure of the home and how safe it is.
For instance, if your house has several stories to it, you will need to know if any second or third-floor windows are in bad shape and could allow a child or animal to fall out of one of them.
You will also need to know where those windows are located since windows directly over a porch or garage can assist you and your family in fleeing from the home if there is fire occurring or some other disaster.
Although that can be beneficial, you will also need to consider that those windows might be easier access for a burglar since they can use the roof of the porch or garage to gain access through the window to your home.
You will also need to know if there are windows near a door to the outside of your home, especially the main door that is used for entry and for exiting since it is better to be able to see outside before opening a door to see who is there.
Electrical Wiring
It is important to note whether or not an older home has had an electrical upgrade which includes a breaker box. A new electric panel is important because it will help you determine if it can power all of your appliances and devices.
If it is an older system, or it has been in poor condition, you will want to have a new system installed and this could be a factor in determining the final price of the house.
