A thorough home inspection can uncover a long list of issues with a home. Some are the kind that can be easily repaired, and others are costlier to fix.
A home inspector is a third party that inspects a home for potential problems. They will report on the home's physical condition and often include suggestions for repairs. The results are reported as legal documents that must be included in the home's real estate transaction file.
If you plan to sell or buy a house and are curious about the most common problems uncovered in a home inspection, here is a list of elements you should pay attention to:
Electrical Wiring
The main concern with outdated wiring is safety. The wiring in older homes may not have the same code requirements as newer ones. That may leave homeowners vulnerable to fire or electric shock.
A home inspector will do a simple visual inspection to check for common signs of outdated wiring. These include exposed wire insulation, loose or exposed electrical jacks, and faulty switches or outlets.
A more thorough inspection will include a voltage test. It involves testing the voltage between two sections of the home to be sure the electricity is properly grounded. The bill for this type of home inspection is usually double the cost of a simple check.
Leaks
Leaks are a common problem in older homes. These often include water leaks around the foundation, rotted roof shingles, leaks in plumbing pipes, and more.
A look into the home's foundation will tell if the wood and other materials are still in good shape. A wood rot inspection and a plumbing check will reveal any leaks or problems.
Sensors can be installed around the home to help detect water leaks. These include water sensors installed in the ceiling, level and motion sensors that activate lights when a room is in use and temperature sensors that beep if the heat or AC is on.
Wood-Destroying Insects
Insects that live and thrive in wood can cause significant damage to the wood in a home. Wood-destroying insects include carpenter ants, termites, and powder post beetles. This problem can be an expensive issue to fix.
To help detect these pests, a home inspector will look for signs of these insects. These include frass (insect excrement), holes, damaged wood, and an accumulation of sawdust.
They will often look for these pests around window and door frames, areas near floor joists, and any other place they may find food sources, such as wet wood.
Exterior Cracks
Cracks can occur on the exterior of a home for many reasons. The foundation may be settling, or the walls may be compromised because of bad wiring.
A simple inspection can determine if any cracks are a health or safety risk. A home inspector will usually be able to tell if a crack is from settling by looking at the vernacular of the home.
Conclusion
If you are planning to buy a new home, you should take the time to get a home inspection. These inspections are a great way to discover potential problems before purchasing. It is also beneficial if you are selling a house. The inspection report can help you understand what repairs need to be made before selling the property.
From the list above, you can see that a home inspection can be beneficial for home improvement. If you decide to get home inspection services in Birmingham, AL, Let's Do It Home Inspections assures you that no matter the size of your property, we provide the same high-quality professional home inspection service to every real estate purchaser. Get in touch with us today!