Your Real Estate Advisor: Inspections—Top to Bottom “Check-Up” for the House

Inspections—Top to Bottom “Check-Up” for the House

When you are thinking about buying a home, you need to know what kind of condition it is in BEFORE you complete the transaction. You need to know just because you need the information (even if you are buying it as is. It is critical that you get accurate information about a wide spectrum of components of the property). In the event this is a regular transaction (not REO or short sale), then you can use the results of the inspection report to negotiate repairs which you wish to have completed at the seller’s expense, prior to closing.

What’s included?

We will cover the basic items for a full mechanical and structural inspection. The inspection will be a visual inspection of these components. While this list does not cover everything which could be inspected, it does cover the more common items you should expect with a full inspection of your home.

((Area: Components Checked))

Furnace: Burners/elements, heat exchanger, blower fan, ducts, air flow, filter, the flue pipe, humidifier and the thermostat

Electrical System: Breakers, fuses, main panel, sub panels, main service wire, switches and receptacles, amp rating, light fixtures, door bell and all smoke detectors

Plumbing: Water heater and gas lines, water lines, waste pipes, all fixtures and faucets, drainage, sump pump, caulking and grouting

Interior: Walls, ceilings, floors, steps/stairs/railings, fireplaces, all doors and windows

Attic: Structure, the decking of the roof, insulation, Ventilation and water penetration

Crawl Space: Water penetration, water damage, the structural integrity of the walls, insect damage, the structural integrity of the support system for the 1st floor of home as well as the location and condition of insulation

Slab: Water seepage into ducts (under slab) cracks and/or settlement

Basement: Water penetration, any water damage, the structural integrity of the walls, evidence of insect damage, floor condition, structural integrity of the support system for the 1st floor, finished wall and ceiling condition

Exterior: Roof, flashing, skylights and chimneys, walls, soffits and facia boards, gutters and downspouts

Grounds: Driveway, walks/steps, patio/porch, retaining walls, railings, balconies and drainage

Appliances: (Check to be sure your inspector will check the appliances, not all companies do) (Most built in items will be checked). Range, oven, exhaust fan, refrigerator, dishwasher, disposal and trash compactor


There are additional components which may need to be inspected but are not part of the standard inspection. Your inspector may inspect these for an additional fee or it may be necessary to call a company who specializes in this type of inspection.

Those items include:

Well/Septic System Security systems
Water testing Insect Infestations (termite/other)
Radon Water softeners
Sprinkler systems Pools and/or spas
Asbestos

We’ll cover these in a future article. Remember: your best bet is to use an ASHI certified inspector and attend the inspection so you can ask lots of questions. It’s an investment in your future. I’m trying to look out for you.

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(Please E-mail Heather at homeownershipmatters@gmail.com with any questions, comments or concerns you might have! We appreciate all comments and feedback, so please don't be shy.)