Before buying a home, you first need to ensure that it is safe to live in. That’s why it’s always best to hire a professional home inspector to check out your home. Through the home inspection, they can identify any significant issues the house may have. This gives you a contingency, allowing you to back out of the purchase without having to pay penalty fees.
Home inspections typically last for two to three hours since the inspector must cover all the necessary bases. While thoroughness will vary depending on the home inspector, you can typically expect them to cover the following areas of your home.
Interior
1. Bathrooms
When checking the bathrooms, the home inspector will be looking for any visible leaks. They will also see if there is adequate ventilation and if the toilets are properly secured. If there is no window in the bathroom, there should at least be a ventilation fan to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
2. Electrical
Having proper electrical wiring in your home is crucial to prevent electrical fires. So, the home inspector must check out your home’s wiring and test all the outlets. They will also ensure that functional ground circuit interrupters are found in the kitchen, bathrooms, and garage.
3. Fire Safety
To avoid any disasters during a fire, the inspector will be looking for adequate emergency exits in your home. They will also be testing the smoke detectors to see if they are functioning properly.
4. HVAC
If you’re not moving into a newly built home, the home inspector will be examining the HVAC system to determine its age and ensure that it is functioning properly. If they see any problems with the HVAC system, they may also recommend repairs.
5. Laundry Room
The laundry room may be a less significant area of the house compared to the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen, but they are an essential part of the home inspection process. Without adequate ventilation, the dryer-exhaust system may become a fire hazard.
6. Plumbing
Water damage and flooding are major concerns. That’s why you must have your plumbing inspected. The inspector will examine all the showers and faucets to see if there are any visible leaks. They will also identify the type of pipes you have and test the water pressure.
7. Water Heater
Again, if you’re not buying a newly built home, the inspector will have to check the water heater to determine its age and condition. They will see if it’s been installed properly and securely and tell you how long the heater will last before needing replacement.
Exterior
1. Foundation
Usually, a house’s foundation isn’t really visible. But still, the inspector will have to look for any signs of foundation issues, such as cracks or settling.
2. Garage
If your home has a garage, the home inspector will have to test the garage door to see if it opens and closes properly. The garage also needs to have adequate ventilation to avoid accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
3. Roof
The home inspector needs to ensure that the roof is properly and securely installed to prevent it from collapsing. They will also be checking for any damage in the roof that could allow water to seep in and cause damage to the home.
In Summary
A home inspection may not be a requirement, but it can save you the trouble of buying a home that comes with a lot of problems. The inspector will go through all the essential areas of the home to ensure that it is a safe place to live in. If they spot any problems, they can also recommend the appropriate course of action you can take to remedy the situation.
Ensure the safety of your home with the help of Let’s Do It Home Inspections. We are a home inspector in Birmingham, AL that provides high-quality professional home inspection services no matter the size of the house. At Let’s Do It Home Inspections, our goal is to help you determine whether or not the house you’re buying in Birmingham, AL (or surrounding counties) is your dream home or a problem house. Schedule your inspection now!
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