What will the inspection cover? Both sellers and buyers often wonder and ask this question. The home inspection can vary based on the type of home you are selling/purchasing. It can also vary if you add on items like stucco inspection, meth, mold, radon, infra-red etc. Make sure you ask your home inspector about any additional test. Do not assume the inspection will cover "everything" because your "everything" and the companies "everything" may and probably will vary. I always suggest you ask a lot of questions before the inspection so you know what to expect from your chosen inspector.
*I also suggest that new construction buyers get a home inspection. A lot of buyers will question me on this, but the buyers who have taken the advice have been grateful in the end. *
Below is an outline of items that you will want to see if they are covered. The list is just that a list of items that may be covered, I am not an inspector I have only been to a lot of inspections and read over a lot of reports.
Exterior: Do you have big trees in your yard? you might want to ask about having a plumber run a scope of the drains to make sure tree roots are not wrapped around the pipes running from the house to the street this can be a very expensive issue down the road. Other items they may look at sidewalks, driveways, steps, windows, doors, drains, gutters. Decks, balconies, porches etc. just to name a few.
Structure: Foundation and Framing
Roofing: Roofs age, condition, flashing, draining system, skylights, chimneys.
Plumbing: Drain pipes, sump pumps, poor water pressure, leaks, rust, corrosion, banging pipes, examination of the whole water system.
Electrical: Service panels, entrance wires, breakers and fuses. They will check for lose wires and/or wires that are not grounded, outlets etc.
Heating: Vent system, flumes, fireplace, water heater, furnace
Air Conditioning: Weather permitting they will run the system to check for performance, age, wear and tear.
Interior: another looks for leaks, insects, defects, walls, ceilings, stairs, garage doors, check for cracks. Attics ventilation, insulation. Crawlspaces, water damage. Overall condition of the home to make sure all components are functioning as they are intended.
A home inspection is a professional set of eyes trained to look for problems. They will alert you of major issues and also of "to-do" items to consider down the road. Make sure you read the whole report and talk it over with the inspector, your agent and anyone else the inspector suggest you contact.
The inspection is so important. What I have provided is just a small glimpse of what you will benefit from when you have an inspection. Please make sure you get one! I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions about what to expect when you buy or sell a home.
I'm here to help call 8015805624 or email kim@resultsrealestateutah.com
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