The issue of who to get to do the inspection of your home then arises.
Let's start with the "What".
Home inspections are designed to thoroughly examine the property to assess the overall condition, identify problems that may be present, and to provide assistance in correcting any issues that the home may have. This includes looking at large scale systems of the home like the roof, plumbing, heating/cooling and electrical.
The roof is a big one, so we will start there. The attic will likely be investigated by the inspector, mostly to make sure that the roof is doing it's job of keeping out water and then look at the roof itself; the type of roof, approximate age and any vulnerable areas like vents, skylights and chimneys that penetrate the roofing membrane, as well as valleys where roof lines meet and flashing details.
The exterior wall attaches to the roof at a specific point, and it could look normal from the outside, but inside may be another story. But is that the source of the leak? In this example, it's not. A plumbing vent could be the culprit, and in that case, the inspector will look in the corresponding place on the exterior of the home that needs to have re-caulking done to repair that section of flashing.
The inspectors, with real world experience, know that all homes, new and old, have ongoing maintenance issues to address. If a problem such as this is found, the homeowner can simply hire a contractor to work on the roof to repair the issue, so that everyone involved is satisfied, and the roof will last much longer this way.
There are some specific places that are looked at more closely than others for inspectors, and they include:
Electrical; Is it copper wire? Is aluminum present or perhaps knob and tube wiring? Is there room in the panel for expansion if you plan on renovating?
The plumbing; What is the life expectancy for your hot water heater? Is there in-floor heating with polybutylene piping? Do you have a 2 tier system made of PVC, or concrete or clay tile as the exterior drainage system?
Heating and cooling; Does the furnace operate at maximum efficiency? Could there be a gas leak? Do you know how to maintain your heat pump properly?
Roofing; Does the roof have many years left or does it need to be replaced soon?
Interior; Could an fall happen because of loose or worn carpet? Are the door stops all there? Is there any issues with a railing on a stairwell?
Structure; The original home was built and inspected for building code compliance but does the renovation, done without permit, at least meet code?
Considerations Related to Safety or Insurance; Are there working smoke detectors? Has the home been fitted with carbon monoxide detectors? Is there an abandoned underground oil storage tank that needs a specialist to locate?
An all encompassing home inspection is worth every dollar even on a great home so that you have an overview of ongoing maintenance and peace of mind.
Let's start with the "What".
Home inspections are designed to thoroughly examine the property to assess the overall condition, identify problems that may be present, and to provide assistance in correcting any issues that the home may have. This includes looking at large scale systems of the home like the roof, plumbing, heating/cooling and electrical.
The roof is a big one, so we will start there. The attic will likely be investigated by the inspector, mostly to make sure that the roof is doing it's job of keeping out water and then look at the roof itself; the type of roof, approximate age and any vulnerable areas like vents, skylights and chimneys that penetrate the roofing membrane, as well as valleys where roof lines meet and flashing details.
The exterior wall attaches to the roof at a specific point, and it could look normal from the outside, but inside may be another story. But is that the source of the leak? In this example, it's not. A plumbing vent could be the culprit, and in that case, the inspector will look in the corresponding place on the exterior of the home that needs to have re-caulking done to repair that section of flashing.
The inspectors, with real world experience, know that all homes, new and old, have ongoing maintenance issues to address. If a problem such as this is found, the homeowner can simply hire a contractor to work on the roof to repair the issue, so that everyone involved is satisfied, and the roof will last much longer this way.
There are some specific places that are looked at more closely than others for inspectors, and they include:
Electrical; Is it copper wire? Is aluminum present or perhaps knob and tube wiring? Is there room in the panel for expansion if you plan on renovating?
The plumbing; What is the life expectancy for your hot water heater? Is there in-floor heating with polybutylene piping? Do you have a 2 tier system made of PVC, or concrete or clay tile as the exterior drainage system?
Heating and cooling; Does the furnace operate at maximum efficiency? Could there be a gas leak? Do you know how to maintain your heat pump properly?
Roofing; Does the roof have many years left or does it need to be replaced soon?
Interior; Could an fall happen because of loose or worn carpet? Are the door stops all there? Is there any issues with a railing on a stairwell?
Structure; The original home was built and inspected for building code compliance but does the renovation, done without permit, at least meet code?
Considerations Related to Safety or Insurance; Are there working smoke detectors? Has the home been fitted with carbon monoxide detectors? Is there an abandoned underground oil storage tank that needs a specialist to locate?
An all encompassing home inspection is worth every dollar even on a great home so that you have an overview of ongoing maintenance and peace of mind.
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