What to Expect During a Home Inspection
There are over 1600 items on a home inspector checklist, so what exactly are home inspectors looking for when they come to your house? While I won’t list all 1600 (you can thank me later), here’s a brief outline on what your inspector will be looking for:
Current or future water problems
The inspector will look at the ground around your home to see if there is any standing water, faulty grading or areas where water has created holes in your yard from a problematic downspout. Inside your home, they will look for water stained ceilings or walls that might indicate water problems. They will also check to ensure the trees don’t endanger your house and ensure all things surrounding your house are not going to harm you or your home in anyway.
Home’s structure
Examining your home has a solid foundation is a key component of the inspection. Also checking out window and door frames to make sure they are all sitting correctly is important. Checking interior walls to make sure they are not leaning in anyway ensures your home does not have any faulty framing. Older homes tend to have more issues with a home’s structure than newer homes, but it is still a good idea to go ahead and check these items regardless of the year they were built.
Roof
The inspector will examine the roof to make sure there are no leaks and all the materials are appropriately attached so no near future leaks occur. Inspecting the roof also means inspecting skylights, gutters, and chimneys to ensure they are all in well working condition.
Insulation
He or she will also insure all rooms are properly insulated. The inspector wants to see heat and air travel freely and evenly throughout your house so when it comes time to use your heat and air, you won’t have any problems.
Kitchen
The inspector will make sure the hood fans are properly vented to outside. He or she will also ensure the electrical outlets within 6 feet of the sink are GFCI protected, which means the outlets won’t electrocute you if they get wet in anyway.
Plumbing and bathrooms
Ensuring toilets flush properly, drains drain well, showers spray adequately, and tubs are securely fastened are vital to a well working home. The inspector will make sure these things work, while ensuring the pipes, water heaters, water pressure, and temperature work well too.
Electrical
He or she will give the electrical panel a good look while making sure all wiring is safe. Making sure the light switches are working properly and that there are enough outlets in each room are also on the house inspection checklist.
House inspections can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to be if you are in the know. I encourage you to attend your home inspection because you’ll be able to see the inspector run through the checklist firsthand. You can also ask him or her any question you may have during the process to ensure you are prepared for when he or she leaves.
It is important to trust your inspector. Since they are the ones examining the home you are moving into, you want to trust their opinion and expertise to ensure your family is safe.
If you are in the Oklahoma City Metro area and needing a home inspector, I encourage you to call Paul Fry at (405) 330-1904. He is my go-to when it comes to house inspections, and I trust him immensely.
Next Steps
If you have any other questions or are ready to get started in buying or selling your home, let me know! Email or call me at traceyrice@kw.com or 405-226-3770.