Pay Attention to These 5 Areas of an Inspection Report
Buying a home is one of the largest purchases most people will make in their lifetimes. When making such a large purchase you want to know what you’re getting into. Is the house a good investment? Will there be further big expenses? Getting an inspection is key to answering all of these questions. As a seasoned real estate agent, we always recommend getting an inspection and being present when the inspection is happening. We have an amazing inspection company that we recommend and their inspectors are great at walking through issues at the inspection with you. Once we get the inspection report, our agents will go over your report with you and talk through any issues.
Remember, all houses will have a large report, but that’s a good thing because we paid for a thorough inspection! However, using the expertise of the inspector and our team, we will be able to decipher whether it is a big issue that needs immediate attention, something that may be costly down the road, or something that is negligible. We can also help you determine whether to accept the inspection, negotiate with the seller, or walk away entirely. There are areas of the inspection that can have bigger implications if something is really awry and those are the areas we are focusing on in our blog today. Let’s go through the 5 areas of an inspection report we pay careful attention to when analyzing it with you.
- Foundation
A robust foundation is paramount for a secure and enduring home. The inspector will take note of any issues they find on the foundation in their report and let us know if there are any serious issues. They have a keen eye for any indications of cracks, shifts, or signs of wear and tear – elements that could impact both safety and longevity. If there are major issues, we’ll go over those and help make a gameplan for fixing them if possible.
- Electrical Systems
Outdated wiring, malfunctioning outlets, or an unreliable circuit breaker can pose potential hazards. Inspectors are pros at finding and figuring out if wiring is up to code, and will be able to point out any issues during the inspection. While reading the report together, we’ll be able to help you assess their findings and resolve any problems that they found
- Plumbing
Plumbing might not be the most glamorous aspect of homeownership, but it’s undeniably crucial. As we dive into the plumbing section of the report, we’ll be checking for leaks, clogs, and the overall condition of pipes and fixtures. A proactive plumbing inspection can save you from unexpected and inconvenient surprises. Our team will be able to help answer any questions you have regarding your report.
- Roof and Attic
If there are problems in this area they can pose significant risk to the rest of the house. Water leaks, worn roof, improper venting, or poor insulation can all be major issues either currently or in the future. Knowing what is going on on your roof and in your attic space is important for preparing for potential future costs or needed fixes. We always want to make sure you know what is going on the top of your home.
- HVAC and Appliances
Comfort is key in any home. That’s why the inspector will assess your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for efficiency and potential maintenance needs. Understanding the status of these systems allows you to plan for future enhancements. We also recommend paying attention to appliance condition as well in the report. This insight aids in planning for potential upgrades and replacements.
As we navigate the intricacies of a home inspection report, keep in mind that the report might look hefty but that doesn’t mean your home is a lemon. Many times there are items in inspection reports that are quick and easy fixes, like leaking faucets, light bulbs that need replacing, or doors that don’t close properly. Occasionally we are confronted with a large problem to fix and often it is in one of the 5 areas above, that is why we pay special attention to these areas. With have over 25 ye