5 Essential Checks for Your Property Inspection

Getting a property inspection before buying a home is vital, as it can reveal significant issues such as foundation cracks, leaks, and other hazards. If this is your first time buying a house, you may not realize the risks associated with skipping the home inspection. Not getting a property inspection could lead to unforeseen repair costs, potential safety hazards, and even the possibility of buying a property that is not structurally sound.

If the building inspection suggests the property requires urgent repair, this is your chance to take control. You can negotiate with the vendor to either have the repairs made before you settle and take ownership or reduce the price of the home, empowering you to make the best decision for your future home.

Additionally, a condition of the purchase could be that it is subject to a satisfactory property inspection, and if it fails, you can cancel the transaction and walk away.

Another reason to get a building inspection done before buying the property is that it will likely be a condition required by your insurance provider and also your mortgage lender. Meeting these requirements not only ensures the safety of your investment but also provides a sense of security.

In this article, we’ll cover five things you need to check during your property inspection. Make sure to keep reading so you know what not to miss!

1. Roof

The roof is the first item you’ll want to have checked during a home inspection. Determine when it was last replaced and its current age. Have the previous owners noticed any current issues?

The building inspector can access the roof and inspect for damage. Also, check the gutters, flashings, and vents. Roof repairs can be costly, especially if there are signs of leaks.

2. Foundation

While you can walk around the outside and inside of your new home to check for any obvious foundation issues, you’ll want a building inspector to conduct a thorough check for cracks. If there’s sagging or unevenness, it’s a sign that there may be structural weakness.

Foundation repairs are seldom cheap, and if the damage is extensive, you may not wish to buy the home and incur the expense or inconvenience.

3. Heating/Cooling System

Make sure to check the heating and cooling system of the home next. Does it effectively heat and cool the home?

Also, be sure to check for furnace repair issues. Some homeowners opt to convert their systems while keeping the old ones in place. If this is the case for your home, you’ll want to ask how old those systems are.

If you are unsure about the age of the systems or whether the previous owners replaced them, a property inspector can estimate their lifespan by checking the serial number. This is because most condensers typically last between 12 and 15 years, and a property inspector, with their knowledge and experience, can use this information to advise you on the potential lifespan of the systems in your new home.

4. Electrical System

Checking the home’s electrical system is one of the most essential items to check during a home inspection. What type of electrical system does the home have? If it was built between 1880 and 1930, it could have used knob and tube wiring, also known as K&T. This type of system, which runs underground, can lead to electrical shocks. Your property inspector will probably recommend replacing this type of wiring with an upgraded version.

You’ll also want to check that the home’s outlets are properly grounded and that every switch functions correctly. Lastly, you’ll want to look for a Federal Pacific Electric panel. These are older systems and are known to cause fires due to overheating.

5. Plumbing

Another core function is plumbing.  Hire a plumber to conduct moisture readings for leaks, which are likely to originate from broken pipes.  Leave a leak too long and it may rot a part of your home, or damage the foundations.  Fixtures can also be checked, and a quote provided for any that require immediate replacement.

Deteriorating pipes will fail, and replacement may be costly. A quote will prove your pending outlay, and that amount could be deducted from your purchase price.

What to Check During a Property Inspection

Getting a property inspection is always worth the small investment to guarantee your new home works properly and effectively for you and your family.

Typically building inspectors are not expect builders, electricians or plumbers. What they can offer is an overview of that property, and you can engage professionals to delve deeper into possible problem areas, such as leaky windows or outdated wiring.

While you may encounter some unexpected issues, it’s better to be aware of them and the cost of remedying them before you move in, rather than afterwards.

For other tips and tricks on building, buying, renting, or leasing homes, check out our website. We also have a renovation category for you to explore when it’s time to update your new home!