Is one inspector enough?

When you buy a home it is incredibly important to feel comfortable with your home and what you are getting into. Over the decades there are certain inspections that have become standard, but as of late it seems that the trend is broadening into other inspections. So, as a buyer, is it important to have more than a whole house visual inspection? Maybe... Let's explore some added inspections that you may want to have done during your home inspection timeframe. 

* Visual Inspection - A normal home inspection is typically a visual inspection. They go thru the home and look at things. Often times they will have recommendations for a buyer of things that need to be addressed asap and things that should be addressed soon. A good visual inspector will walk thru the home and answer questions for a buyer on how to care for the home that they are purchasing. This is a great place for buyers to start, but it isn't necessarily comprehensive and can leave a buyer wondering what else they might be missing. 
* Sewer Line Inspection - In many urban cities that are older in age a sewer line scope can be useful. This is just what it sounds like. They check the sewer line from the house to the road to make sure that nothing is blocking the path... like tree roots. 
* Septic Insection - On rural properties counties (and some cities) have "rules" regarding septic systems. In our area it is common to see that the system needs to be in compliance at the time of sale. Typically a seller expense.. this compliance lasts for 3 years upon completion. 
* Well Test - For many loan types a well test is required. Again it tends to land on the sellers to be done. Depending on the type of financing and what you want tested will depend on how comprehensive this test becomes. 
* Lead Based Paint Test - For homes built prior to 1978 there is a possibility of lead based paint in a home. It is an option on the purchase agreement for buyers to have the test completed to see if there is an existance of lead based paint. In my experience it isn't a common test done, but it is important for a buyer to do if it is a concern to them. 
* Radon Test- Radon is a gas that can exist underground. The rules around this one have changed and newer homes must have a passive radon system installed. It is a common test for buyers to add on to their visual inspection to make sure it isn't seeping into their new home. Because it is odorless and colorless it is impossible to know without testing if a home will test high or low with this gas existance. 
* Furnace Inspection - Although visual inspectors will do a once over on a furnace and even test it a bit I am finding that older models they revert back to recommending a furnace inspection. It is my latest recomendation for sellers and buyers alike to simply plan on this and to get it squared away. If a seller has taken care of it that is awesome. It takes the question out of the equation. For a buyer it may be important to know the furnace condition prior to purchase - especially on older models.
* Chimney Inspection - This is a recent one that became important to me. I had a buyer purchase a home with a wood fireplace. The seller stated that they used the fireplace and that all was well. Upon moving in the buyer had a furnace inspection done and found out that the chimney was cracked and virtually unsafe to use due to several prior chimney fires. They are now looking at replacement of the chimney. A costly question mark that may have been worth pursuing prior to closing. 
* Roof Inspectiona- Again I am finding that a visual inspector will look at a roof and give their best guess at age, but they have a tendency to recommend a roof inspection versus giving their advisement to its usefulness in it's current state. It doesn't take much to have a roofing company stop by and check it out for the buyer. It could be a costly expense after closing that a buyer wants re-assurance on prior. 

Planned right all inspectors can be in the home in the same timeframe or close to it. I have had several buyers this year that have lined up all the above for a property on the same day during  the same 4 hour window. Not all buyers see the value in such a complete inspection, but for other buyers the pieces are important to know that they are in place. 

Whether you, as a buyer, are happy with  a normal visual inspection or if you want a more comprehensive view of your new home I am here to help you out! At the end of the day I want you to feel confident about the home you are moving into and paying money for.