Grant Trevithick Carrollton Invetor Pro Tip For Inspecting a House

When you are about to purchase a home it is important to look at all the areas of the house so that you know what you are getting yourself into. As a real estate investor within the Carrollton and Dallas area I have been a part of several of these and I wanted to share some basic tips on what home inspectors look for so that you can know what to do when inspecting a home for possible purchase.

What does a home inspector look for?

Home inspectors are concerned first and foremost with the safety of a home. They’re also focused on flagging potential costly issues and identifying repairs that need to be made either now or in the immediate future. To give you an idea of how the process works, we assembled a basic rundown of what a home inspector will assess. Keep in mind that inspection standards can vary state by state; while this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s a good starting point for anyone looking to learn more about how the process works:

Grounds and landscaping

Property maintenance and upkeep is the homeowner’s responsibility; your lot can have an impact on the condition and safety of your home. Here are a few of the most common things an inspector will look for:

• Drainage to direct water and runoff away from the house
• No branches or trees hanging over the home
• Walkways and driveways in good condition
• No pest damage or rot in garages, fences, sheds
• Safety railings installed on decks, porches, stairs

Home systems

Effective temperature control, good water pressure, proper wiring—these are just a few of the things that keep your home safe and liveable. An inspector will evaluate these following systems with a fine-toothed comb to confirm they’re fully operational and safe. Here are a few of the most common things an inspector will look for:

HVAC

• Heating/cooling reaches all rooms
• Proper insulation installed in home and attic
• Good ventilation throughout home
• Clean air filters and ductwork
• No rust or other damage to cooling unit

Plumbing

• No leaks in kitchen or bathroom
• Caulking and tiles in good condition
• Toilet, tub, and shower operational
• Effective drainage and exhaust systems
• Good water flow and pressure to all fixtures
• No rust or signs of decay/damage
• Pipes visible and in good condition
• Hot water heater operational

Electrical

• Outlets and lights working properly
• Outlets up to safety codes in each room
• Visible wiring, properly secured and terminated
• Service panel in good condition, not overheating

Safety

• Smoke detectors and fire alarms operational
• Carbon monoxide alarms operational
• Well water conditions meet safety standards
• Hot water temperatures at normal levels
• No presence of mold or asbestos in the home

Exterior of home

The roof, siding, windows, and doors protect your home from the elements and they need to be properly maintained. Here are a few of the most common things an inspector will look for:

• Roof and siding in good condition, no damage
• Windows and door frames plumb straight, airtight
• Level foundation, no sagging, bowing, cracking
• Paint job in good condition, no flaking or chipping
• No stains, vines, or rot on any exterior surface
• No broken glass or ripped screens
• Properly installed and cleaned vents
• Gutters and chimneys in good condition

Interior of home

Fireplaces, attics, and basements have lots of component parts that can pose serious threats to safety if damaged. Here are a few of the most common things an inspector will look for:

• No evidence of water damage or rot on walls, ceilings, floors
• Windows and doors open, close, and lock properly
• Fireplace fully operational, no evidence of damage
• Walls and ceilings are straight and level
• Built-in appliances working properly
• Basement and attic clear of damage

Things that fail a home inspection

Home inspection reports are supposed to include detailed notes about things ranging from small cosmetic blemishes to extensive structural damage. You probably won’t have to pump the brakes on buying your home for minor stuff. It’s a different story if the findings are significant enough to fail the inspection. In general, if the issue is pervasive (affects the overall integrity of the home) or expensive to fix (posing a significant additional cost to the buyer), it might be reason enough to fail a home inspection:

• Structural damage. From cracks in the foundation to water damage in the basement, structural problems can be expensive to fix and jeopardize the overall safety of a home.
• Roof damage. Roofing acquires wear and tear at different rates, depending on the material. A poorly maintained roof can be prone to leaking or collapse, which puts the entire home in danger.
• Electrical issues. The consequences for improper or outdated wiring can be high, with the biggest concern being an electrical fire. Keeping electrical systems up to code is essential.
• Plumbing problems. Water and sewage leaks can be the source of extensive structural damage. On top of that, appliances like hot water heaters are expensive to repair.
• Evidence of pests. Termites and other bugs can wreak havoc on the structural integrity of a home. Any indication of pests needs to be investigated and addressed.
• Mold, asbestos, lead. Health and safety are the top priorities in a home inspection; any of these three substances can pose a significant risk to residents.