Purchasing a home is usually the single largest investment most people make in their lifetime. A home inspection helps protect your investment by ensuring everything is working properly and there are not any surprise repair costs. Homes do not pass or fail a home inspection. The licensed home inspector helps identify potential issues within the home.
What are some of the items a home inspection covers?
Structure: Observing the home to find any visible signs of cracked foundations, damaged framing, irregular settling, or other visible structural issues. This inspection is super important when you are trying to protect your investment. Foundation repair estimates often start at $10,000 and can exceed $100,000.
Roof: Are there any signs of leaks, damaged roofing material, or missing material?
Attic: Double checking the insulation was installed and adequate. Also, making sure all the utilities lines were installed correctly.
Electrical: Looking to see if all the outlets work and checking on the electrical panel to make sure it was properly wired.
Plumbing: Testing all the plumbing fixtures and drain line leaks.
HVAC Systems: Checking on the air conditioner’s condition and blowing cold air as it should. Also making sure the furnace works, adequate airflow at all the ducts and checking for gas leaks.
Built-in appliances: Testing all appliances.
Additional inspections:
- Termite
- Septic
- Well
- Radon
- Mold
- Infrared
- Etc
Source: First Arizona Title Agency – Home Buying Guide