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Are you a home buyer or seller wondering what a home inspector looks for? Or maybe you’re considering doing a Diy home inspection? Whatever the reason, it’s important to know the answer. “What do home inspectors look for?” Believe it or not, the answer may surprise you. In this blog post, we will discuss what home inspectors look for and why it’s important to hire a professional rather than doing a Diy home inspection.
What do home inspectors look for?
A home inspection is a valuable opportunity, whether you are a buyer or a seller, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the property’s condition. Professional, licensed inspectors provide a detailed written report of the property’s condition.
However, by performing a Diy home inspection, you can gain a general understanding of the property’s present condition and value. This is an excellent way to identify minor damages in your home, preventing future expensive repairs and saving you both time and money.
To assist you in preparing for your pre-purchase home inspection. Here’s a straightforward guide for a Diy home inspection that you can perform before your inspector arrives. By doing this, you’ll be able to take control of your home’s condition and make more informed decisions.
The General Structure of Your Home
First, take a look at how your house looks from far away. Walk around your house and look at it from different sides. Check if the house looks crooked or bent, this could mean there is more damage. A house that is in good condition should look straight and not have any damage.
The Plumbing
When it comes to what do home inspectors look for regarding plumbing, they will check for several different things. They will check for any signs of corrosion or water leaks that may indicate a need for repair. Additionally, they will test all of the drains to make sure they are not clogged or backed up. They will also check the water pressure in the pipes and fixtures to make sure it is consistent throughout the entire system. Varying water pressure can be an indication of a plumbing problem that needs to be addressed.
The Electrical System
When it comes to home inspections, the electrical system is a crucial part of the process. It’s important to look for any issues that could potentially cause safety hazards, such as loose wiring and outlets, overloaded circuits, and outdated or faulty equipment. In New Castle Northern Rivers and Harbour Newcastle Northern areas, a qualified Sydney Home Inspection company should check your electrical system thoroughly and provide you with a full report. They will inspect all switches and outlets. As well as the breaker box, for any signs of damage, or wear and tear. Terms and conditions may apply, so make sure to read them carefully before signing anything.
Basement
The basement is an important part of a home and should not be overlooked during a building inspection or home inspection. A good inspector will look for any signs of water damage and check around the doors and windows to make sure that water can’t enter the basement in Newcastle Northern Rivers and Harbour Newcastle Northern areas. The inspector will also take into account the local terms and conditions regarding basements and report any issues they find. Sydney home inspections should always include a thorough review of the basement.
The Insulation and Ventilation
The furnace, heat pump, air conditioner, ductwork, and thermostat must all be inspected thoroughly and visually to make sure they are all in good working order. Additionally, a home inspector will search for any indications of carbon monoxide or gas leaks. They will manually verify the systems to make sure they are in working order after performing a visual inspection. They make sure a gas or oil furnace ignites properly and heats or cools the house to assess its effectiveness. Home inspectors normally only check the heating in the winter and only check the air conditioning in the summer since testing the heating or air conditioning in the summer could damage the system and give an incorrect reading.
The Roof
When it comes to What do home inspectors look for on a roof? They will only go onto the roof if it is safe, meaning the roof must be less than three stories tall and shouldn’t be too steep. They also won’t check if it is raining, snowing, or particularly windy. If they can inspect the roof, they will check the gutters, and flashing, and look for any warped or missing shingles. They will also check for damage from weather or other sources and will look for signs of leaking. Additionally, the inspector will inspect the chimney cap, vent pipes, and skylights. If there are solar panels on the roof, they will inspect those as well.
How sellers can prepare for a home inspection?
- Declutter as many areas as possible, especially in the basement and attic to make it easier for the inspector to access the HVAC, furnace, and other areas.
- Request to have utilities reconnected if they have been turned off.
- Leave any keys in an accessible area for the inspector, such as the keys to the electrical panel or basement.
- Turn on pilot lights for furnaces and fireplaces (even during the warmer months).
- Conduct a thorough inspection of your home on your own before the inspector arrives to identify and address any issues.
- Consider getting the furnace, HVAC, or other areas of the home professionally serviced before the inspection to improve the inspection report.
- The cleaner the inspection report turns out. The less negotiating the buyer will want to do, can lead to more money in your pocket.
Should I attend the home inspection if I am the buyer?
Yes, you should do home inspection as a buyer. Attending the home inspection is highly recommended for buyers. It is your opportunity to gain a better understanding of What do home inspectors look for. Such as:
- The general structure of the home.
- The plumbing
- The electrical system
- The basement
- The insulation and ventilation
- The roof
As a buyer, you can observe any problems that the inspector finds and ask questions about what needs to be done to fix them. You can check our Property Inspection checklist. Furthermore, it’s a great way to learn more about the features of your future home and how to maintain it properly. Attending the home inspection is also a good way to become familiar with the layout of the house and spot any issues that you may have missed during your walkthroughs.