Benefits of a Home Inspection Report
Every person buying a home is encouraged to get a home inspection for their own benefit. Home sellers should also prepare by having a pre-listing inspection to help them plan for the buyer’s home inspection. A seller who gets a home inspection report before putting the real estate up for sale has time to correct any problems or adjust the price if they choose not to make repairs. Home buyers can use their home inspection report to navigate the home buying process, and as a home maintenance reference after they have moved into the home. In this article, we have explained 7 areas of the home which will be included in a home inspection report.
1. The Electrical System
The home inspector will look at the electrical panel and will inspect the visible and accessible areas for dangling wires, missing electrical plates, and switches that do not operate. It’s important to correct any issues as soon as possible because they could pose a safety hazard.
2. The Roof
Roofs are expensive to replace so buyers should know the condition of the roof before closing on the home. The home inspector will note any missing shingles and improperly placed or failing flashing. Flashing is installed in valleys, around vent pipes, and around the chimney. Clogged downspouts and poor flashing can cause water damage to the roof.
The best way to inspect a roof is for the home inspector to walk on the roof to look at it closely. However, if the roof is inaccessible or unsafe to walk on, some home inspectors use aerial drones to capture clear images of the roof rather than trying to inspect it from a ladder or even worse, the ground. A thorough summary of the condition of the roof, complete with photos, is an important part of the home inspection report.
3. The HVAC System
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The inspector will check the functions of the thermostat, inspect for clogs in the condensate drain, and look at heat exchangers for discoloration, deterioration, and cracks, to name just a few ways the home inspector will inspect the HVAC system.
4. Sinks, Toilets, and Faucets
The inspector is looking for leaks, water pressure, and water temperature. He or she will turn on the faucets, flush the toilets, and run the dishwasher.
Places to look for apparent leaks include underneath sink cabinets, but sometimes a slow leak hides inside a wall. A Thermal Imaging camera can detect excessive moisture in areas that are not visible.
5. Attic and Crawl Spaces
The inspector will inspect the insulation, and if there is ducting in the attic, he or she will want to see it is attached to the ceiling and not laying in the insulation. In some older homes, ducting occasionally breaks free.
Crawl spaces should be dry. Excess moisture or standing water signifies that there is a drainage or foundation problem, and leads to mold growth.
6. Grading Around the Home
The dirt and landscaping around the structure should direct water away from the house. Landscaping or gutters with downspouts help with water diversion.
7. Windows and Doors
Windows should open easily and be free from any cracks. Both exterior doors and windows should be airtight to stop drafts and save on energy. If the doors and windows have screens, the inspector will note any rips, tears, or damage.
A home inspection gives the buyer and seller a good general idea of the condition of the property. Issues are bound to come up, but that is normal. Buyers and sellers can often work out major issues, while smaller items prepare the buyer for things to be aware of when they move in.
If you choose Homeworx Services for your inspection, the buyer and their agent can communicate repair requests to the seller through an interactive feature of the home inspection report called the Create Request List™ which allows them to choose items to be fixed directly from the home inspection report. We also provide aerial drone coverage and use thermal imaging technology in order to give you the best understanding of your property. Contact us to discuss your inspection needs in Northern Virginia.