You can go ahead and breathe a sigh of relief. A home never has to “pass” an inspection in order for a sale to take place. Rather, a home inspection is an essential overview of a home’s condition at the time of the inspection. No home is perfect, even brand-new builds, and your REALTOR® should always prepare their clients to discover a few maintenance needs. Don’t let this be discouraging! An inspection report is actually a very valuable tool, whether you are looking to negotiate price or plan for future renovations.
What is a Home Inspection? A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of a home’s key features. Home inspectors are professionals at identifying and explaining the condition of a home at the time of the home inspection in order to provide both the homebuyer and home seller a clear picture of the property. One particular benefit of a home inspector’s evaluation is that they are an unbiased third-party. They are not there to favor the buyer or the seller. Instead, a home inspector’s job is to leave the most thorough and accurate report they are able, while in compliance with industry standards of practice.
How Does a Home Inspection Help a New Homeowner? With their inspection report, buyers can make an educated decision on whether they are prepared to handle any potential maintenance issues that come with buying the home. If extensive repairs are needed immediately, a buyer can use their inspection report to re-negotiate for a fair price or allow the seller to pay for some repairs. Aspects that may require quick action include water intrusion or the presence of mold, extreme roof damage, and the presence of pests such as wood-destroying organisms.
SNAPSHOTS FROM THE FIELD
What’s wrong with this photo?
This may or may not be a trick question . . . it just depends on who you ask! Pictured above is a hose bibb, or exterior faucet. It appears that a past homeowner built a deck over it, but cut an opening for access. Since it’s accessible and operating normally, and its unusual placement is the only thing “off,” many homeowners may not mind. However, others could view this opening as a trip hazard. When it comes to this sort of anomaly, our inspector may make a note, but ultimately, it would be up to the homeowner to decide whether it would present problems.
MAINTENANCE MATTERS
It’s completely normal to get an inspection report back with recommended repairs, but it can be tough to know where to start. Here’s a quick cheat sheet of the most important maintenance items to prioritize post-inspection.
The Roof All roofs have a natural lifespan until shingles begin deteriorating beyond the point of serving their use. Since other circumstances can expedite this aging process and homeowners are often unaware of the age of their roofs, the conditions revealed during a home inspection are invaluable to home buyers as they plan out their long-term home maintenance plans. A new roof can cost upwards of $15,000 to replace. A solid home maintenance plan can extend a roof’s lifespan, and a home inspection is the first step in setting homeowners up for success.
The Foundation Water intrusion through small cracks can lead to mold, radon gas can filter more easily into the home, and large enough foundation cracks can even grant access to all sorts of pests. After identifying and recognizing the severity of foundation cracks, epoxy sealers can be a great solution to avoid letting the issue grow. If a foundation crack is too wide, consultation with an engineer or contractor may be necessary.
Mechanical Systems A home’s mechanical systems are essential to what makes a home comfortable for its inhabitants, but aged, poorly installed, or damaged mechanical systems can also pose serious fire hazards if left unchecked. In particular, home inspectors will examine the condition and lifespan of heating and cooling systems, as well as the functionality of power outlets throughout the home to determine safety and longevity.
Water Intrusion Some of the most commonly addressed issues discovered during a home inspection are those related to water intrusion. Water can lead to considerable damage as it enters into the home through unintended ways. Foundation cracks, roof damage, and piping deterioration are all common sources of unwanted water within the home. To resolve water intrusion issues, it is best to identify the source first. Home inspectors can perform Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing and Mold Inspections to help identify the root of water intrusion in the home, and to identify whether water intrusion might be an issue even without an obviously visible water leak.
Honesty. Integrity. Professionalism. Since 1978.
Living In Lambon Is an Exciting New Publication about Local Businesses, Events & Happenings, Charities & Real Estate in the beautiful communities we live in! On a regular basis we'll post blogs, stories, videos & real estate listings - everything that is going on in Lambton!
Get to Know The Site!
Go To Our Site - LivingInLambton.com & Sign up to get these posts by email!
Enjoy!!!