What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection examines the entire house’s system, which includes both the interior and exterior components. This process often happens during the house sale and is conducted by professional home inspectors trained and licensed to do different house checks. The home inspection process usually takes 2-4 hours. After the assessment, the home inspectors will give their clients a written report of the findings. These findings help the clients see the overall health or status of the house they intend to buy, thus helping them make wiser decisions during the negotiation process.
The cost of the home inspection varies for every home inspection company. That is why it is good to know the home inspection company around your area. Be sure to clarify the pricing before availing of a home inspection service.
Different Types of Home Inspection
Home inspection has different types. Therefore, it is essential to understand these different types not to be lost along the process.Mold Inspection
Mold can thrive in warm, damp, and humid places. The presence of mold at home is often neglected, but mold can potentially grow and become invasive, causing damage to the property and health hazards to everyone living in the house. Mold, especially the spores, are not usually seen by naked eyes and should be taken seriously. Home inspectors are trained and experts in mold identification and have all the testing equipment to check mold at home. They will check the indoor air quality of the house and will do the lab work to check the mold present in the home accurately.
Asbestos Inspection
Without you knowing, asbestos can be present at home. This should not be underestimated because exposure to this material can cause different health issues such as lung conditions, asbestosis, and even cancer. Therefore, it can cause a big problem if not taken seriously; that is why the home needs to undergo asbestos inspection.
Asbestos assessors check the following areas of the home:
-Flooring
-Paint
-Roof
-Tiles
-Pipes
Home inspectors will provide their clients with a written report which includes the details such as the location of the asbestos, description of materials that may contain asbestos, lab testing results, and suggested action plan.
House Roof Inspection
The roof is an essential part of the house. However, as time passes by, it can be susceptible to different factors such as aging, rain, snow, wind, and other factors that may cause deterioration. Roof inspection helps you see the complete status of the roof. Inspectors assess the following during the roof inspection:
Interior
During a roof inspection, the inspectors will assess the attic’s insulation. It is vital to check on it because poor insulation can cause extreme heat in the attic during the winter, resulting in the melting of snow in the roof that can lead to leaking. Aside from the insulation, home inspectors also check the ventilation. Without proper ventilation, there will be moisture, resulting in a more significant mold presence. Assessors will also check if there are damages on the roof caused by other factors such as aging. They will also assess if these damages can cause potential risks to the home.Exterior
Home inspectors will check if there is any improper flashing that may cause leakage into the roof’s open locations. Aside from that, they also check the roof shingles and gutters to prevent potentially severe damages to the home.Swimming Pool Inspection
The swimming pool should be inspected for safety purposes. The pool should be located far from electrical wires to avoid electrocution. The walkways should also be checked to prevent slipping. Here are other things that are part of the pool inspection:
-The cleaning system
-Make sure that there are no cross-connections in the water supply system.
-The diving boards, ladders, handrails, etc., are also included.
-Safe barriers for children.
-Blowers, heaters, pump motors, and other equipment must be part of the inspection.
-The pool lighting system.
Water Quality Inspection
Water quality inspection checks if the water at home is safe for everyday use. Inspectors will check if the home’s water supply is free from contamination and pollution. They will also check if there are any imbalances in the water’s pH level. It is crucial to ensure the quality of the water supply to avoid future health hazards caused by contaminated or bad water supply.
Radon Home Inspection
Aside from the water quality, it is also essential to ensure the home’s air quality. The home’s indoor air quality should be inspected, especially from the potential presence of radon. Radon is a naturally occurring gas in the environment and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Home inspectors will assess the home’s indoor air quality and check for any presence of radon in the house. They will also give their clients a written report and action plans to help them get rid of the presence of radon at home.
Other Types of Inspection
Other different areas are a part of a home inspection, such as:- Property and site
- Structure and foundation
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
