You might not be familiar with the different types of home inspections if this is your first time putting your house on the market. You might also not be familiar with what home inspection is. Let’s assume you have a good idea of what home inspection is and that you understand the importance of it in the buying or selling process. What’s the deal? And what are the various types of home inspections? Keep reading to learn more!
What is a home inspection?
So, the term “home inspection” will be used a lot. It’s a report that is created after they have thoroughly assessed a property. This is a crucial step in buying a house, especially for first-time buyers. This inspection provides homebuyers with an objective account of potential issues in their new home before they close the deal.
When is a home inspection done?
This usually happens while the home is still under contract. This means that an offer has been accepted on the house. The purchase agreement gives the buyer a time limit to complete the inspection and close the deal. If the inspection shows that expensive repairs are needed, the buyer may cancel the contract without any financial consequences.
Usually, a home inspection is performed right after the signed contract. Buyers can cancel the contract if it uncovers major problems.
What is included in a home inspector?
You might be curious about how thorough inspectors go when inspecting a house. Here’s what a Home Inspection in Brooklyn NY includes:
- Roof.
- Plumbing.
- Insulation.
- Heating and A/C.
- Ventilation.
- Windows & doors.
- Structural components (floors and walls, ceilings, stairs, etc.
- Wood stoves/fireplaces
- Exterior (porches, siding, attached decks, etc.)
- Major appliances
There are many types of home inspection.
Now that we have finished the introduction let’s look at the various types of home inspections. Your inspectors may ask you to do additional inspections depending on the findings. Let’s take a look at them!
Radon testing
Radon is an odorless and colorless gas. It is a byproduct of the gradual decay of Earth’s radioactive components. It can come from the soil, well water, or building material. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), this gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America. They also stated that radon levels would be found in approximately 1/15 homes. These tests should be performed over 90 days. You won’t be able to afford this luxury. Ask the owners for past test results and then do a 48-hour radon test. In a matter of days, a professional radon inspector can provide results.
WDO inspection (termite inspection)
This inspection will verify that your house is not home to termites or wood boring beetles. This group also includes Carpenter ants. WDO inspectors will also look for dry rot. Fungi causes this. Many states in the US require that you conduct a WDO inspection before closing on a property. A WDO inspection may also be required if you use a VA or FHA loan to purchase a home. These little pests can be quite annoying, according to Brooklyn Movers. Imagine all the pests crawling in your wooden furniture when you’re moving it. Yuck!
Some US states require you to conduct a WDO inspection before closing in on a home.
Mold inspection
The old saying goes, “If you see mold it means that you have mold.” One might be concerned about what’s not so obvious to our eyes and noses. You might consider hiring a mold inspector. This professional uses a special moisture meter that detects dampness in insulation, plaster, and other building materials. They will also take air samples from the outside and inside your new house.
Foundation inspection
Cracks Form Where a Wall Meets a Ceiling can be indicative of settling or structural movement in a building. These cracks may appear due to various reasons such as the natural settling of a house over time or more serious structural issues. It’s important to have these cracks inspected by a professional to determine their cause and the necessary repairs.
A home inspector will inspect your home and look for potential problems such as drainage problems, nearby tree roots, cracks in walls, or movement. Your inspector may recommend that the property be thoroughly inspected by a residential structural engineer if there are any problems. You might be concerned that the inspection will take too long and that you won’t have somewhere to store your belongings. You can rest easy knowing that your items are safe and secure in this storage unit. The structural engineer mentioned above will do a thorough inspection of the foundation of your new house, identify the root causes, and recommend a solution. This inspection will cost approximately $500.Sagging floor repair is an essential consideration during a home inspection. It’s a common issue that can affect the structural integrity of your home. Addressing sagging floors promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
A foundation inspection can help you identify potential problems with your new home.
What do you do after the inspection is over?
After the inspectors have completed their work, you have a few options to choose from. You can:
- Don’t regret leaving the sale.
- Ask the seller for corrective action to address the discovered issues during the inspection.
- You can negotiate a lower price to fix the problems yourself.
- Keep selling as you plan.
Your real estate agent is the best person to consult if you aren’t sure what to do. Once you provide all details, they will be able to recommend the best option.
Last words
Okay, folks! These are the types of home inspections you might do before purchasing a house. Before you sign the contract, do not hesitate to conduct them. This could save you and your family trouble in the long term. It’s true what they say: Better safe than sorry.