When buying a house, one of the steps you should go through before you finalize the purchase is the home inspection. It is highly recommended for a few reasons.
First, it provides you an avenue to uncover any major structural and functional problems with the home. Second, it can give the seller a chance to address any remaining issues and repairs. Third, it opens an opportunity for you to negotiate a lower selling price. Lastly, it allows you to cancel the purchase if major concerns were found, provided there is a clause in the agreement.
Below are the six features home inspectors focus on.
- Foundation
For everybody’s safety, a house’s foundation needs to be structurally sound in order to support the entire structure.
Inspectors typically start from the outside, looking for telltale signs of a faulty foundation. These include cracked walls and steps, a sunken porch, or if the house is sloping or leaning towards a certain direction. If the surrounding lawn slopes toward the home, it could be a potential source of water draining into the areas surrounding the foundation. When water gets into the foundation, it can lead to mold and rot.
Inside the house, signs of an uneven foundation include cracks in the ceiling, drywall, and flooring. Windows and doors that don’t fit snugly into their frames may also be a cause for concern.
- Roof
A good roof should be able to protect you from the elements, especially in Florida, where hurricanes regularly pass through, and the summer heat can be sweltering. When it is in good condition, it helps keep the inside of the home well-insulated and ventilated. An inspector will check the integrity of the roof and gutters and look for any loose, broken, or missing shingles.
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system
In Florida, it is essential to have a functional HVAC system to keep the temperature in your home comfortable no matter the season or weather.
To ensure that it is still in good shape, inspectors begin with visual inspection of the heat pumps, thermostats, air conditioners, furnaces, and ducts. Afterwards, inspectors will check if these are all in good working condition. Inspectors will also check for signs of gas leaks.
It is important to note, however, that inspectors only check air conditioning during the summer and heating during the winter. Doing otherwise may cause damage to the system.
- Electrical system
Faulty electrical wiring can cause serious harm to you and your home. From the outside, an inspector will check that trees or shrubs don’t impinge on any of the wiring. A closer inspection reveals whether the wires are properly insulated and secure.
From the wiring, inspectors will move on to other aspects of the electrical system. These include the electrical panel, which should be connected by circuit breakers and free from rust. The breaker must also have enough amperage for the home. All of the outlets are checked with a multimeter to see if enough electricity is being supplied. Lastly, inspectors will also check if all switches throughout the home are working.
- Plumbing
A cursory inspection of the house’s plumbing involves checking the toilets, sinks, tubs, and drains, as well as the other features. These include levels, filler mechanisms, toilet flappers, temperatures, and water pressure.
The main thing inspectors will look for regarding plumbing are signs of leaks in and out of the house. These can be the result of loose or faulty pipes, not only within the property, but hydrants outside as well. Any leak, if left unresolved, can lead to potentially serious damages to the home, which can render it unsafe and unsanitary to live in.
- Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows
A home inspector will check walls, ceilings, and floors for any bulging, mold, or discoloration, which can be signs of water damage. Any overt structural defects such as large cracks, uneven floors, sagging ceilings, as well as doors and windows that no longer fit into their frames can suggest that the foundation has been compromised. Aside from these, an inspector also checks if all rooms have a potential exit in case of emergencies.
The Telchin Group has more homebuying and selling tips to share with you. Check their blog for the latest news and updates. If you are in the market for Ibis West Palm Beach homes for sale, explore the many neighborhoods of Ibis. When you’re ready, get in touch with Eric Telchin and the rest of the team at 561.301.0249 or send a message to set up a private consultation.