Don’t Get Spooked: What to Look for In A Home Inspection Before You Buy

You’ve just found the home of your dreams. Everything from the picket fence down to the last brick placement is exactly what you have been looking for all along. But before you seal the deal, there’s just one last thing you need to take care of – the inspection.

Between moisture build up and hidden circuit damage, there’s a lot to be weary of before buying a new home. Nothing can crush your dreams faster than finding out your “perfect” home actually has a flooding problem. Before you dig yourself too deep of a hole, we’ve outline a few inspection tips to stay mindful of. Your new home is no place for spooks and surprises.

Electrical Panels

Circuit systems have evolved over the years, so if you are considering an older home, make sure the electricity is up-to-date. The inspector will look for any ground faults or circuit interruptions in kitchens and bathrooms. It’s also important that you ensure all receptacles are properly functioning. If a short-circuit or overload occurs, these systems need to be able to shut off automatically.

Roof and Chimney

Since the roof reaches far above your head, it can be easy to overlook it at first glance. However, proper insulation is a main concern for new home buyers. Make sure the shingles are not deteriorating and the base of all bricks and chimneys are watertight.

Foundation

While you will need an inspector to tell you if the home was built on a slab or raised foundation, you can do your own investigating by looking for any suspicious cracks. If the foundation is faulty, your dream home will not last you forever.

Sewage System

Modern inspection technology uses a digital camera inserted into the sewage line to determine if there are any faults. While you won’t be able to do this yourself, make sure you ensure it is completed properly and professionally.

Water and Plumbing

Find out if the home has a well or utilizes city water. There are different tests that need to be run by inspectors depending on what kind of water supply the house uses. You’ll also want to decipher if any pipes are clogged before completing your home purchase.

Once you hire an inspector to do a full run-through, you’ll gain a much deeper understanding about the home. However, it’s good to have a base knowledge of things to look for before you go through the trouble of bringing an inspector out. Keep the spooks to a minimum in your search for your dream home. For more tips on finding the perfect home, contact the agents at Brightstar Reality & Rentals. We’ll always provide honest, transparent reports on each of our listed homes.