5 Things to Look For in a Home Inspection
Many buyers think that once their offer is accepted, it’s smooth sailing from there, but the lengthy closing process has only just begun! As a home buyer, you have a few more hurdles standing between you and your home purchase, with one of the most challenging being the home inspection.
Although it can be challenging, Home inspections help reassure you that your property’s systems are up to industry standards. And if they aren’t, you can walk away from the deal and find a home that better meets your expectations!
Working with an industry professional at Mark Spain Real Estate will help you go into your home inspections equipped to address potential issues. With our help, you can approach your home inspection with intention and breeze through the closing process. Read below for things to look for in a home inspection.
5 Things to Look For in a Home Inspection
Worn Roofing
Roofing is a high-priority item on every home inspector’s checklist. The inspector will examine your roof from inside and outside your home, looking for implications of water damage, leaks, and other structural issues like damaged or missing shingles. If the property’s roof shows significant wear and tear, the inspector will note it on your report. As a buyer, you might request compensation for roofing from your seller, as roofing repairs can get costly. If structural or water issues surface from the home inspection, determine maintenance costs and the roof’s estimated lifespan before closing on your home.
Mold
Mold is another thing that home inspectors will look for during their visit. Though in some capacities it’s normal, mold in excess, especially in certain areas, will raise substantial red flags on the home inspection report. Small amounts of mold around tubs, showers, sinks, or even windowsills are more common, given those areas’ water and condensation collection. 
Eliminating mold from these areas is typically an easy fix and poses no serious health or safety hazard. However, mold on walls, ceilings, and other regions outside the bathroom or kitchen could indicate a more severe problem. Mold collections in these areas could pose serious long-term health risks for residents and show signs of excess moisture and humidity that will be hard to address.
Faulty Electrical System
If you’re buying an older home, be weary of potential electrical issues on your home inspection report. Homes built in the mid-20th century might have outdated electrical systems that don’t meet current industry standards. Not only will these dated systems disrupt other essential home functions, but they might also pose a severe safety hazard. Your home inspector will be able to point out outdated electrical wiring and will suggest potential upgrades. However, be wary that upgrading your system will require opening up and repairing the walls, as there is no inexpensive shortcut to new system installment.
Foundational Issues
Any home that’s been lived in will show signs of wear and tear. However, while some of these signs are minor, others might indicate more serious structural concerns. From uneven floors to cracked drywall, several interior flaws are much more than just an eyesore.
Unfortunately, seeing these kinds of issues in your home could indicate defects in its foundation. If this is the case, your home inspector will try to determine the extent of the issue and advise you on moving forward. You likely have to consult a structural engineer as well if the foundational issues are severe.
Poor Plumbing
We often forget about plumbing as it is so out of sight. However, plumbing is not something your home inspector will overlook, as it is a crucial component of your home’s essential functions. Older homes might have outdated plumbing that has surpassed its prime, resulting in corrosion, rust, and leakage. In most cases, pipes in this condition are just waiting to burst and are a costly repair waiting to happen. Make sure to have your home’s plumbing triple-checked during the inspection, as this will likely be something you’ll want the seller to front if serious issues arise.
Buy a Home with Mark Spain Real Estate
Not sure what to expect of your home inspection? Allow us to give some more insight into the closing process! Our agents promise unparalleled client satisfaction as we help you make informed decisions on your home purchase. Check out our Guaranteed Offer Program for the potential to receive a competitive cash offer on your home in only 21 days. Contact our agents today!
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