When inspection day finally arrives, make it an adventure! Take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with your home one cranny at a time and explore every inch without hesitation. Climb into your attic, turn on the faucets, and run all the showers. Leave no stone unturned. If it doesn’t all work like it should, you may be able to get the issues fixed before you move in and save yourself expensive repairs down the road.
Examining all areas of the home with an inspector is crucial. However, don’t assume that your inspector knows ALL there is to know about your home. They will cover almost everything, but you might have to seek out a second inspector for a few key areas. Prudential Beazley Real Estate suggests hiring an additional expert for the following 8 areas.
The 8 Areas Where a Second Home Inspection Counts
1. The Roof
If your inspector is not certified to inspect the roof, call in a roof specialist. In snowy or stormy weather when roof scaling proves difficult, it may be possible to get a special provision that allows you to extend the inspection contingency until such time that weather improves.
2. The Chimney
Chimney specialists can run a “chimney cam” down the chimney to check for cracks or structural damage.
3. The Geology
Hiring this specialist is especially important for homes that reside on a hillside or cliff-side, or in areas prone to flooding. If there is severe drainage or a major ground shifting problem, a geological inspector will be able to catch it before it costs you money.
4. The Sewer
Sewer inspectors do more than check off whether the sewer is working. They use sewer cams to check for cracks or breaks in the sewer line from the house to the street. This inspection becomes even more essential when a lawn is heavily landscaped.
5. Termites
This inspection is usually done by the seller, but it is important nonetheless. Make certain you review the finished report and confirm all the recommended work has been taken care of.
6. Mold, and Toxins
In basements and below-ground-level areas that are prone to moisture, mold and toxins can be a potential problem. Get a specialist in your home who can check for any existing mold and, hopefully, give your house has a clean bill of health.
7. Asbestos
An asbestos inspection is important, and necessary if your house was built prior to 1975. It can creep up on insulation around ducting, water heaters, and pipes. Having it removed will probably be something you ask the seller to do for you before you move in.
8. Nonconforming Use
That sun porch could be what sold you on the house, but without the proper permits, it could end up bringing you a world of headaches. Save yourself the pain by having your inspector and real estate agent can work together to find out if all additions and major changes have been signed off on by the city.
For more great homeowner and homebuyer tips, make sure to follow Prudential Beazley Real Estate on their Facebook page and Pinterest. For all other questions please call the real estate experts themselves at 706-863-1775.
