When it comes to buying or maintaining a home, all around home inspections are i essential step to ensure peace of mind and making informed decisions. A comprehensive home inspection looks at various systems of the home. All around home inspections provide information about the home’s condition that is essential. Here are some areas that are included in all around home inspections.
Roof
The roof on any structure is an essential part of that structure. All around home inspections always include a roof inspection because of the importance of having a stable, reliable roofing system. All around home inspections uncover hidden issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye. A home may appear to be in good shape, but hidden damage to the roof may not be obvious from the ground.
Whether you are a buyer, seller, or homeowner wanting to ensure proper maintenance, all around home inspections can provide insight you never would have about a roof. It is important that you know if you will need to hire roofing contractors in the future to make repairs or replace the roof.
An inspection checks for loose shingles, worn flashing, and other damage. The inspector gets on the roof and evaluates the condition of the roof. They include any noticeable damage or issues in the report. Of course, if the roof is in good condition, that information is also included in the inspection report.
Fence
All around home inspections don’t just focus on interior systems, they typically include inspections of exterior features and structures like the fence. A fence is an important security feature for any home. Fences are exposed to the elements, pests, and general wear and tear. A fence inspection can reveal problems with the fence that may compromise the integrity of the fence.
If the inspection finds that the fence is damaged or needs repairs, maintenance, or replacement local fence companies can help. The information about the condition of the fence will be included in the inspection report. Knowing the condition of the fence is vital. In many cases, learning about the need for repairs early on can be-a cost-saving.
The inspection looks for pest infestation, overgrown vegetation that may damage the fence, loose parts and components, and checks to see if the gate is operational and still level. A lot of information is gathered during this part of all around home inspections that can be very valuable to the buyer and the seller or the homeowner that wants to ensure proper maintenance.
HVAC Unit
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is an essential system for any property. All around home inspections always include inspecting the HVAC system. HVAC inspections play a vital role in assessing the condition of the HVAC system. They provide valuable insight.
By conducting inspections before buying a home, you will be made aware of any potential problems with the system. HVAC systems are one of the most expensive systems in the home. It’s essential that you fully understand the capabilities of the system and that problems are identified early on. HV AC contractors, ac contractors, and heating contractors can usually manage any problem that is identified, but you need to be made aware there is a problem.
All around home inspections will evaluate the condition of the equipment performance of the system, review the maintenance history (if there is one) and include all the findings in the all around home inspections report. Understanding the condition of your HVAC system or the HVAC system of a home you intend to purchase is essential information that will help you to make informed decisions.
Plumbing
A reliable plumbing system is a must for any home. The plumbing brings fresh water into the home and carries away the wastewater. A plumbing system that is fully functional is vital to daily living. It helps to maintain a safe and healthy home. All around home inspections include an inspection of the plumbing to ensure proper function. Things may look fine but a closer look at the plumbing system is needed to ensure expensive repairs are not needed now or in the near future.
The plumbing inspection includes evaluating the condition of the pipes, fixtures, drains, sewer lines, and other plumbing features. If the home is on a septic system, the septic system will also be evaluated during the inspection. The plumbing components that are evaluated during the inspection are all essential components of any property. They all need to be highly functioning as part of the system. An inspection can unveil problems that may not be noticed any other way.
Plumbing systems are so important to any property that it’s recommended that plumbing inspections, plumbing company evaluations, and reports are done annually. Discovering small issues with a plumbing system before they become big problems can be cost-saving. This part of the all around home inspection process is a very important part of the process. Knowing exactly what the condition of the plumbing system is, is necessary.
Siding
You may think of exterior siding as a strictly aesthetic feature of the home, but it is more than just a look. Siding is an essential component that protects the home from the elements, helps manage energy efficiency, keeps pests out, and does improve the aesthetic appeal. Over time siding can become worn, damaged, and need repair. All around home inspections include siding inspections.
Siding inspections are critical for identifying any issues or damage that may need to be addressed. The inspection ensures that the siding is functioning, is in good condition, and able to provide the protection it should. The inspection will look for things like moisture problems, missing or loose siding parts, the overall condition of the siding, and any need for repairs.
The siding inspection can reveal the need to contact local siding contractors to make the necessary repairs early on. Good siding is very durable; however, it is not impervious. An inspection can reveal underlying problems with the siding that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Discovering problems early on will help to contain damage and keep the problem from spreading to other areas. An inspection of the siding is critical for budget planning and to ensure you are getting the best value when you are purchasing a home.
Deck
Any decks that are attached to the house will be evaluated during the all around home inspections. Deck inspections are necessary to ensure the safety of the deck. Deck contractors will tell you how important deck maintenance is when it comes to the safety of the deck. Decks are wonderful additions to any home, but they require maintenance and care to ensure they remain safe. A deck inspection will let you know how much maintenance/repair a deck needs.
Decks are exposed to all the elements. A wood deck can deteriorate because of exposure to the elements. Of course, it’s not just the elements that a deck is exposed to. Pests like carpenter bees, termites, and other wood-eating insects can also threaten the deck’s structural integrity. The inspector will evaluate the deck for any signs of pest infestation.
The handrails of the deck will be inspected, as will the footings on the deck. The material of the deck will also be evaluated for signs of wear and tear. Stairs and steps will also be inspected to ensure the integrity of these features. The inspector will check the fasteners and other hardware to ensure they are stable. Any problems will be listed in the inspection report.
Walls and Paint
The walls and paint of a home contribute significantly to its overall appearance and aesthetic appeal, but that’s not the only role walls and paint play in a home. Walls are structural elements in a home. Over time, walls can develop cracks, peeling paint, or other issues that affect not only the home’s aesthetics but the structure’s integrity.
All around home inspections include inspecting the walls and paint. Walls and paint can reveal a lot about a house. For example, cracks in the walls can mean problems with the foundation. Peeling paint can mean a moisture issue that can turn into a mold problem. A lot of information about a home can be gained from inspecting the walls and paint in the home beyond the aesthetics.
The inspector will evaluate things like peeling paint, missing caulk, loose compound tape, peeling paint, cracks in the walls, and the structural integrity of the walls. All of this information can provide valuable insight into the condition of the home. This step in the inspection may also lead to a closer look at other issues that may be causing the peeling paint or the cracks in the walls. The inspection of the walls and paint can provide a great deal of information about a home. Anything anomalies noted will be included in the inspection report which can help determine if a painting contractor needs to be brought in.
Septic Tank
We touched briefly on septic system inspection in the plumbing section, but there will be a separate look at the septic tank and system noted on the inspection report. Millions of homes in the United States depend on a septic system to manage waste. Septic systems are essential features of many homes. All around home inspections include a thorough examination of the septic system and the septic tank.
According to the experts, every home with a septic system should have a septic tank pumping company to clear the tank and inspect it about every three years. However, not every homeowner follows the guidelines. As part of all around home inspections, the septic tank is evaluated for cracks and other problems that affect the operation and can potentially become a larger problem.
During the inspection, the tank and the inlet and outlet baffles, and the leech field (drainage field) will also be inspected. Each component that is inspected during the all around home inspections is a critical component to the function of the septic system. The inspector may open the tank and check for waste levels inside the tank to ensure proper drainage is taking place. Early detection of potential septic problems is essential to the health and welfare of all occupants.
Foundation
The foundation of a home is a key structural element of the home. When a foundation fails the structural integrity of the home fails. Foundation problems can cause a lot of damage to both the interior and the exterior of the home. Inspecting the foundation for early warning signs of a potential problem is an essential step in all-around home inspection.
The foundation will be evaluated for any cracks. Interior foundation walls will be checked for evidence of moisture or past water seepage. The inspector will investigate the basement (if there is one) or get in the crawl space to check for problems. Foundation problems can be repaired but often the homeowner is not aware of the problem until it is a very expensive situation.
All around home inspections can detect foundation problems early on while they are still affordable to repair. A foundation repair company can use the inspection report to locate the cause of the problem and formulate a strategy to fix the problem. It is essential that any home you are considering buying includes a complete home inspection, including a foundation inspection.
All around home inspections should be a part of any real estate transaction. They protect the buyer and the seller and ensure that everyone moves with transparency. Many people confuse the appraisal process with a home inspection. An appraisal is not an inspection. An appraisal checks for the marketability of the property, not for the integrity of the systems and for potential safety issues.
Before you buy or sell a property, have the property inspected. It will save you time, money, and effort to know exactly what is going on with the house. Home inspections are necessary to ensure you are getting the value you deserve.