Home Inspections - Part 2

Posted by on Friday, October 12th, 2007 at 9:43am.

7. Furnaces – A proper inspection will ensure that the burner, the blower, and the heat exchanger are all in working order. It should also ensure that there are low levels of carbon monoxide being produced and that no rusting or debris clogging up the works.

 

8.  Garages - Many of the standards of a home apply to a garage. The more common mistakes in garages are things such as “do-it-yourself” wiring, unsafe overhead door mechanisms, improper firewall separation between the house and garage, and the lack of a fire rated door between home and garage.

 

9. Insulation and Ventilation - This can be one of the most common causes of high heating bills. A lack of sufficient insulation can also cause moisture problems and cost the homeowner a lot of money. Water damage can cause deterioration in the roof if left unchecked.

 

10. Plumbing - The most common plumbing problems occur when owners have a “do-it-yourself” job on the plumbing without knowing what they are doing. All materials, internal and external supply lines, and waste lines should be up to code. These and many other considerations will be taken during a proper inspection.

 

11.  Shingles and Roof - The roof is one of the most important areas to inspect on a home. Shingles and roofs have a finite life span and can easily be damaged by the elements. A typical life span of a roof is 20-25 years, so a home inspector should be able to approximate how much life the current roof has left.

 

12. Support Structure - This is the area where dry rot is most common. An inspection will show where these structures have been modified or changed. Again, “do-it-yourself” alterations are commonly a problem because they can lead to dry rot and other deterioration.

 

13. Water Heaters - The most common problems with water heaters are due to improper venting, or leakage and corrosion. Improperly installed pressure relief valves and bad connections on gas lines or electrical supply connections are areas of concern that are commonly found in home inspections.

 

14. Windows and Doors - The windows and doors in a home can be a major factor in heat loss and high energy bills. A proper inspection will check all areas for signs of rotting, failed seals, un-insulated windows and doors, and old or rotted caulking.

 

All of these areas should be considered and detailed in a proper home inspection. By learning a little bit about the process, you will become more knowledgeable about the home you intend to buy. Also, knowing which questions to ask an inspector can help to reveal a wealth of information that could influence your decision to purchase the home. If any of these areas do not pass an inspection, ensure that they are repaired by the current owner before you go ahead with the purchase. Lastly, your real estate agent should be able to recommend a good home inspector.  We have a specific company that we always recommend because they are incredibly thorough, and they have a lot of experience inspecting homes.  So, be sure to talk with your agent about the details of your home inspection.

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