If you are a first-time homebuyer, check out our complete guide for all the home inspections you should do before moving in.
- The HVAC system. An inspector would tell you if your home's heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system (HVAC) is functioning properly at the time of inspection. In order to know if the system would function after you purchase the house, you should ask the inspectors how long the air conditioning condenser would last. Most of the condensers will last 12 to 15 years.
- The Roof. Knowing how old the roof is and if there are potential issues is a must. This will tell you if a roof-maintenance is necessary for the future.
- The chimney. You should check the structural integrity of your chimney because it is a very pricy enterprise. The inspectors should check if there are any damages.
- The water drainage and disbursement. The water disbursement could be the biggest issue of your home. Often times, water disbursement could lead to potential damage to the foundation. You should make sure your inspectors check water drainage properly.
- The electricity system. There are specific techniques that should be inspected. The most important things are the knob and tube wiring. This system is usually ungrounded, which might lead to electric shock. For your safety, you should inspect the electricity system carefully.
- Foundation, foundation, foundation! The foundation is the most important element of your property. Foundation issues can be extremely pricy dangerous. You should make sure the foundation is stable.
- Quality of the flooring. If your floors are wood, one of the most important things to check for is the wood-destroying insects, such as carpenter ants, powder post beetles, and termites. Pay extra attention to the subfloors that are covered up with carpets or tile. You can use your feet to detect if there are any soft spots, where the wood is weak. Or you can smell to check if the floor is moldy musty.
- Noxious gases. Look out for radon. It is a colorless and odorless gas, but it's radioactive and carcinogenic. You should ask if the previous owner has already tested for radon before the home inspection. If not, you should do the radon tests as soon as possible. They are reasonably priced. If you decide to conduct the tests yourself, make sure the testing device you use, usually a canister, is placed in the lowest spot in your house.
Follow these helpful tips to prevent future and unexpected damages to your new home. You can also hire professional inspectors. Hope all first-time homeowners enjoy staying in your sweet homes.