What to Expect During a Home Inspection
If you are looking to buy or sell a home, a property inspection is one of the most important processes to complete. It can point out major internal and external flaws in the home that you might not have noticed. Devine and Associates Real Estate, your trusted real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks, are here to help you with the home inspection process.
During a home inspection, you’ll have a certified inspector pointing out details and potential problems of the home, often times snapping photos and taking notes. A thorough home inspection is needed when you are buying or selling a house, and can usually save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Take a look at what to expect during a property inspection provided below, by Devine and Associates Real Estate.
A property inspection is not a building code inspection and does not estimate the value of the house itself. There is no passing or failing; the inspector simply lets you know the condition of the home.
Make sure to mention any particular area of concern in or around the house, and don’t be afraid to walk around with your home inspector during the process. Feel free to ask questions about the home or about the inspection itself. The home inspection legally must be in accordance with the American Society of Home Inspectors standards of practice.
There will also be a check to make sure that the interior bedroom and cabinet doors latch and lights and switches operate properly. They will also take a water test to make sure that your water is of good drinking quality.
The inspector will check to make sure that the fireplace and chimney are relatively clean and that the fireplace has no evidence of back-drafting (which is dangerous and could seriously harm your lungs). They will check that the fireplace ventilates up through the chimney and that the damper operates properly.
They will do the same check with the kitchen to make sure that the exhaust fan is being ventilated up and out of the home and ensure appliances are in proper working order.
The inspector will check for standing water in the basement or in other areas of the house, as well as signs of damage from insects. Plumbing and toiles need to be fully functional and the inspector will check to make sure that the caulk is in good condition, especially around the shower, tub, toilet, and windows.
If you have stairs, make sure the stairway treads and handrails are in good condition and aren’t splintered. The home inspector will also make sure that there is no rust anywhere in the home, especially around the water pipes and cooling/heating units.
If you're thinking of jumping into homeownership, the team at Devine and Associates Real Estate is here for you! Give the best real estate agents in Eldon, MO a call today! We'd love to help you with your home search near the Lake of the Ozarks.
During a home inspection, you’ll have a certified inspector pointing out details and potential problems of the home, often times snapping photos and taking notes. A thorough home inspection is needed when you are buying or selling a house, and can usually save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Take a look at what to expect during a property inspection provided below, by Devine and Associates Real Estate.
About the home inspector
The home inspector is here to help ensure that the house is safe to live in. A home inspector will do a complete walk-through of the house, and visually examine the physical structure of the house as well as the electric and mechanic systems.About the home inspection
The home inspection is the opinion of an experienced and certified inspector who checks the different systems within the house and provides documentation for its overall health. A home inspection will reveal major and minor defects and will provide information and tips for future maintenance requirements to keep the house in top condition.A property inspection is not a building code inspection and does not estimate the value of the house itself. There is no passing or failing; the inspector simply lets you know the condition of the home.
Make sure to mention any particular area of concern in or around the house, and don’t be afraid to walk around with your home inspector during the process. Feel free to ask questions about the home or about the inspection itself. The home inspection legally must be in accordance with the American Society of Home Inspectors standards of practice.
Exterior
The home inspector will look over the exterior structures of the house, such as the fence, roof, shed, deck, driveway, garage, outer windows and doors, shingles, gutters, and chimneys. They will check for evidence of termite damage or rotting wood.Interior
The home inspector will check the inside of the house from top to bottom - from the windows and doors to the attic to the basement. The entire house, especially the attic, must have properly installed insulation and must have enough ventilation to prevent stagnant air.There will also be a check to make sure that the interior bedroom and cabinet doors latch and lights and switches operate properly. They will also take a water test to make sure that your water is of good drinking quality.
The inspector will check to make sure that the fireplace and chimney are relatively clean and that the fireplace has no evidence of back-drafting (which is dangerous and could seriously harm your lungs). They will check that the fireplace ventilates up through the chimney and that the damper operates properly.
They will do the same check with the kitchen to make sure that the exhaust fan is being ventilated up and out of the home and ensure appliances are in proper working order.The inspector will check for standing water in the basement or in other areas of the house, as well as signs of damage from insects. Plumbing and toiles need to be fully functional and the inspector will check to make sure that the caulk is in good condition, especially around the shower, tub, toilet, and windows.
Foundation
The home inspector will check to make sure the visible foundation is in good condition, with no significant cracks or exposed foundation. They will check for evidence of moisture, mold, and asbestos and will make sure that the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. They will check to make sure the air filters are clean and the ductwork throughout the house is in good condition.If you have stairs, make sure the stairway treads and handrails are in good condition and aren’t splintered. The home inspector will also make sure that there is no rust anywhere in the home, especially around the water pipes and cooling/heating units.
Electrical
The inspector will make sure that there is no visible wiring throughout the house, and that all cables are secured and protected. The sink, stove, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, and other kitchen appliances must be operating soundly with no leaks or electrical issues. The inspector will also make sure that the electrical panel is not overloaded and the circuit breakers are working properly.After the inspection
After you have reviewed the notes, photographs, and results of the home inspection report, make sure to take action with any areas that are in need of improvement. This will prevent further damage to your home.If you're thinking of jumping into homeownership, the team at Devine and Associates Real Estate is here for you! Give the best real estate agents in Eldon, MO a call today! We'd love to help you with your home search near the Lake of the Ozarks.
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