The home inspection is one of the most stressful parts of purchasing a property. An inspector will examine the entire house during this consultation and look for any possible problems in the house.

The inspector will not assess your future home based on its quality, nor will the inspection be a pass/fail test. The objective is to present you with an unbiased perspective of the home so that you can proceed with the purchase process with confidence. 

Although it can be difficult for buyers to see every possible defect in the home they may buy, a home inspection is crucial to finding any issues that can end up being deal breakers. As the purchaser, you must be aware of any serious problems. Even if you proceed with the purchase, you can negotiate the asking price or demand settlements in light of the repairs the inspector deems essential. 

But the biggest question is: what do house inspectors search for?

Knowing the answer to this question will help get your inspection report ready when it arrives.  

Some inspectors will take homebuyers through the entire process so you can personally view any possible problems with your house up close. You should never let a real estate agent, the seller, or the inspector prevent you from showing up for your inspection.

Checklist For External Inspections

The outer layer that protects your loved ones and possessions from the weather is called the exterior. The exterior must endure normal wear and tear, severe weather, and the house's gradual deterioration over time.

One of the most crucial aspects of any house purchase, whether it's a historic bungalow or a new development, is the exterior home inspection. The remaining systems within the house might be supported by a sturdy shell.

Roof

Climbing onto your roof is one of the first things the home inspector will do. For it to survive all-natural conditions, they want to make sure that there are no leaks or damages. The inspector will evaluate the following objects on your rooftop:

• Broken or absent shingles
• Physical degradation indicators that could result in leaks
• Wet areas, standing water, or signs of excessive moisture
• Parts that are uneven or sagging
• Debris buildup 
• Places with greater wear than others 
• The state of the facia, downspouts, and gutters 

In addition, the inspector may search above your roof for any overhanging tree limbs that might be damaged during a storm. Additionally, rodents may use tree limbs as superhighways to scale roofs to enter homes. 

Although your inspector won't be able to tell you how old the roof is, they can provide an assessment of its state.

Foundation

The next component of the exterior that house inspectors examine is the foundation. If your home has a crawl space, they might scale it to get inside or do a walk-around assessment of the outside. 

A home inspector searches for fractures or indications that the house is sinking. If the floors are slanted or the doors don't close correctly, they may also search the interior for indications of foundation problems. 

Another important sign that inspectors search for is water. Images of still water, indications of water damage, and inadequate drainage will be captured. Water damage to a house can take many forms, from mold growth to damage to the foundation. In addition, the home inspector will look for signs of wetness around the door and window frames.

External Walls And Siding

When inspecting the foundation, the home inspector will examine the external walls, but they can also offer independent observations about how these buildings seem. They'll be on the lookout for any damage, rot, or decay that can jeopardize the structural integrity of your house. The inspector will also check the condition of the paint and siding material.

A home may appear worn out due to peeling paint. While it is undoubtedly an aesthetic concern, it may also indicate another problem. If the paint and other external coatings have worn off, water may leak into the wood siding. Your external walls may deteriorate or develop mold because of water. For this reason, purchasers should not ignore faults that appear to be minor.  

Doors and Windows

The home inspector will check your home's windows and doors as the final exterior feature. When examining these areas of your house, your inspector will look at the following items. 

• The house should have enough insulation provided by the windows and doors. 
• There should be no gaps in the doors' secure locking mechanism.
• It should be possible for the windows to open, close, and remain open on their own. This is necessary for safety. 
• The windows and doors shouldn't exhibit any visible signs of wear and tear. 

The home inspector will also evaluate the area around the door and window frames for signs of moisture. To prevent damage to the surrounding structure during a storm, they wish to determine whether the windows are prone to leak. Windows that leak can cause wood to deteriorate and create an ideal setting for mold growth.

Checklist For Interior Inspections

Your home inspector might move inside to evaluate the numerous internal systems that keep your house habitable after reviewing the exterior of the property. Plumbing and electrical problems that first appear trivial can develop into costly and even dangerous difficulties.

These issues can be found during the house inspection, and it can also assist you in calculating the associated repair costs.

Plumbing

The plumbing in the house is assessed in the first section of the interior home inspection. The inspector will check your pipes, faucets, and fixtures for any indications of leaks or problems. Here's the thing, plumbing problems, no matter how small, can mount up.

According to EPA estimates, a single drop of leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water annually. That's the same as 180 showers. Your water bill will increase if you have plumbing issues and until they are fixed, it will cost you money.

The home's water pressure and water heater's state will also be examined by the inspector. They will check the drainage in each sink and shower the house's capacity to generate hot water. Clogs can result from the buildup of debris and hair, but they can also be indicators of more serious problems with the pipes. 

Not only is the plumbing problem costly to fix as well as the water bill, but it can also be damaging to your property. Water leaks can ruin wood, encourage the growth of mold, and produce dangerous living conditions.

Electrical Framework

An additional crucial component of the home inspection is testing the electrical systems. Safe wiring techniques are crucial because electrical problems are one of the main reasons house fires occur in the US.

Most home inspectors begin by checking the electrical panel to make sure everything is in compliance with the code and has the proper labels. To meet the household's energy needs, the panels must also have enough power. After that, home inspectors will check the electrical outlets to make sure nothing is sparking or smoking and that everything is functioning properly.  

You should contact an expert because this portion of the house inspection might be risky. Other than avoiding potential electrocution, a certified home inspector can do a comprehensive assessment of your electrical system.

HVAC System

The National Society Of Home Inspectors estimates that replacing an HVAC system can be anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000.

You need your heating and cooling systems to stay comfortable in your house all year round. They regulate the humidity levels in your house in addition to the climate.

Your inspector will evaluate the age and performance of the HVAC unit, as well as the condition of the ducts and filters. They will test how chilly the air is in various vents to determine whether the HVAC system can successfully convey cold air around the house.

Like water leaks, HVAC leaks can be expensive. Your system may operate longer than you wish, increasing your electric bill and cooling portions of the house that do not require it.

Insulation And The Attic

Home inspections are grubby, sweaty work. If your house has an attic, your inspector will scale the structure to assess the insulation. The insulation in your attic is your first line of defense against hot air from entering your home during the summer when temperatures can get very high. Having well-insulated walls will also assist in lowering your energy costs by retaining cool air inside your home. 

The inspection report will include information on insulation and verify that your family has safe attic ventilation. It will also draw attention to any indications of rats, vermin, or other unwelcome house guests. Attic water damage indicators may also point to past or present roof issues. 

Crawl And Basement Spaces

The next filthy part of the house inspection is entering the crawl space. Although there isn't much opportunity for movement in these areas, they are crucial for maintaining the stability of your foundation and preventing water from entering your house.

This section of the house inspection checklist will involve the hired professional searching for indications of water damage, mold, or moisture. They also check the foundation here for structural problems or crevices.

Radon testing is a crucial component of the basement inspection. Radon, a naturally occurring, odorless, and invisible gas, has the potential to cause lung cancer if not controlled.

Poor ventilation and basements are common places for radon buildup. If you want to make sure your future home is safe to live in, radon testing can be part of your home inspection package.

Checklist For Structural Inspection

Your home inspection report will be a lengthy, detailed, multiple-page report. To provide buyers with visual references for the concerns they identify, the majority of house inspection professionals take photos during the process.

To further assist you in evaluating the condition of the house you plan to buy, below are some more sections of the home inspection checklist:

Ceilings And Walls

Inspectors of homes evaluate the internal walls and ceilings to detect any indications of water damage or problems with the foundation.

They look for warping in the walls and flooring, as well as cracks and stains. A small crack could be a sign of something more serious. 

Unfortunately, inspectors may not always be able to identify every potential problem. Paintings and other decorations that can conceal issues cannot be moved. Your inspector will make every effort to assess the places they can access and search for signs that need major repairs.

Floors

The home inspector will assess your floors for any damage, cracks, or unevenness. Problems with flooring can have a variety of causes, some of which are more severe than others. First, warped or uneven floors may be a sign of foundation problems or water damage.

This could also mean the seller employed a subpar contractor or attempted to install flooring themselves. If you want to replace the floors shortly after you move in, these latter issues should not be as problematic. 

It can still be inconvenient if the flooring difficulties don't indicate serious structural problems. Uneven flooring can be dangerous for tripping and is difficult to walk on. When you ultimately get around to starting your flooring job, you could also have to shell out extra money to fix uneven floors.

Railings And Stairs

The interior and external staircases are also inspected as part of your house inspection. The inspector searches the exterior for evidence of decay that would make entering or leaving the building dangerous. The inspector wants to ensure that using the stairs safely is something you and your family can do inside.

A flight of steps can be dangerous due to uneven stairs, loose rails, unexpected lips, or damaged floorboards. When using a poorly designed set of stairs, even cautious homeowners run the risk of falling.

Few More Things To During A Home Inspection

A few extra components of a home inspection are covered during your session. This is how the professional home inspector will conclude the report.

Appliances

A lot of house inspectors will check if the equipment in the kitchen and laundry work. They will test the washer and dishwasher to make sure they function as intended, inspect the stove's burners, and ensure the oven is calibrated. However, the inspection will not always cover this. Ask your inspector if they use appliances in their work.

Additionally, if the appliances are being taken by the seller when they relocate, testing is not required. For instance, if the seller is relocating with the washer and dryer, there's no need to test them.

Chimney And Fireplace

For the safety of the house, a functional fireplace is necessary. This might have an impact on the foundation of the home in addition to being crucial if the homeowner wishes to start a fire in the winter.

The report from the house inspection will vouch to the chimney's adequate ventilation and point out any damage. Whether the chimney needs to be cleaned will also be mentioned in the report. 

It's a good idea to hire a chimney sweep once a year before the weather turns cold, even if you buy a home with a clean chimney.

Garage

Most house inspections include checking the garage doors' operation. Your inspector will certify their flawless opening and closing. Additionally, they want to ensure that if something physically strikes the garage door while it is in motion or blocks the sensors, the door will open.

This is a matter of safety. A damaged sensor may not stop the garage door from shutting if a child or pet goes beneath it.

Things Home Inspectors Don't Look For

During their two to four hours in the house, home inspectors try to be as thorough as possible, but there are some areas of the property they do not check.

The rules of the area and even the inspection firm determine what is and isn't included. A few items that your inspector might overlook are as follows:

• Electricity outlets are located behind large, weighty furniture. They will not move heavy objects to discover they exist because they are unaware of them. 
• Most inspectors do not expressly assess the quality of the air, though some do radon tests. 
• Even though many home inspectors are skilled at spotting unwelcome animal signals and the damage they cause, they will still advise hiring a specialized pest control company to do a termite inspection and other pest analysis. 
• In most cases, to evaluate the condition of an in-ground pool, you will need to hire a specific pool specialist. 
• You can get an incomplete home inspection if the home inspector is unable to check roof or the attic.
• There will be no inspection of the blinds, cabinetry, wallpaper, finishes, or other interior design components. Buyers shouldn't be put in dangerous situations because of these.  

If you want specialist inspections, such as assessments of your swimming pool or indoor air quality, your real estate agent will coordinate these extra meetings with the seller and listing agent.

Rather than purchasing a house you are not completely pleased with, it is preferable to cause the seller some inconvenience by doing a second inspection. 

Investing In A Home Inspection

Home inspection fees for prospective buyers run between $200 and $500, but the cost is justified. In addition to being mandated by the majority of mortgage firms, a professional home inspection provides buyers with accurate information regarding the condition of the property. Before taking possession of the house, buyers can find any deal-breakers or arrange for repairs to be made after they move in.

Your real estate agent should attend this meeting, and they will go over your inspection report with you. They are a great source of information to help you comprehend the inspector's findings and how they affect the house-buying process. You do not have to be a professional builder or real estate agent to buy a property. Rather, you may count on the assistance of these experts. 

To find an Indiana real estate agent who can simplify the home-buying process, work with us at RE/MAX Advanced Realty.

We can help you with every stage of the procedure and get you ready for the house assessment. With us, you'll be confident reading the inspection report. Having a thorough understanding of your new house can be empowering.

Take the initial steps toward buying a house by reaching out to us today!