Most people understand the importance of having a thorough inspection done when preparing to purchase a home. Hiring a reliable inspection company can save you so much money in the long run. Nobody wants to end up with a money pit full of serious distress hidden from the untrained eye. When you receive your home inspection report, it is imperative that you review all noted items with your Realtor. Together you can determine what you would like to ask the seller to remedy (when applicable) and what you plan to prioritize fixing upon taking possession. Our partners at Win Home Inspection Fishers helped us compile the following list to help you through this phase. While the items we discuss commonly pop up on inspections reports, we want to make sure they don’t get overlooked!
Crawl Space
Out of sight, out of mind, right? It might be easy to ignore issues in an area you [almost] never see, but definitely not wise. This is part of your home’s foundation after all. So, if crawl space issues pop up on your inspection report, take care to consult a professional. Moisture issues are pretty common, especially thanks to Indiana humidity. Investigate them further by bringing in a company that specializes in crawl spaces and can handle mold as well. A good moisture barrier or encapsulation might be necessary. A functioning sump pump is important in these cases as well. Even if everything is properly remedied, it is important that homeowners stay vigilant by checking the space after heavy rains to ensure it is staying dry. Maintenance is key!
Electrical
Electrical items can be tricky and intimidating. When homeowner’s attempt DIY electrical modifications, things don’t always turn out well. Your home’s system needs to be up to a very strict code. You should not dismiss seemingly minor defects or safety concerns noted on an inspection report without speaking to a licensed electrician. Get a referral for a trustworthy company that will tell you what must be done without trying to oversell you. Electrical hazards are simply not worth the risk of ignoring!
Gutters/Downspouts
This seems like a much more basic item than the ones previously discussed, but it still should not be neglected. That’s why we’re writing this article after all. This item also goes hand in hand with crawl space maintenance. If gutters and downspouts aren’t clear and functioning properly, this could mean unwanted water near your foundation. Of course, gutters should be regularly cleaned to maintain proper flow, but that isn’t the only thing to look out for. Be sure that there are no seam/seal leaks noted & that any gutter guards are in good condition. If the home you’re looking at doesn’t already have them, consider adding downspout extensions to keep flowing water as far away from the foundation as possible.
Smoke alarms
Did you know that smoke detectors need to be replaced every 10 years? You can’t just change the batteries and call it a day, the detector itself has to be switched out. Even if you test the batteries and it appears to be working, your home could be at risk. At a certain point, the radioactive isotopes inside start to decay and they no longer detect smoke! Make sure you pay attention to the age of each detector to determine if they have reached the end of their service life.
Dryer Vents
Be sure it is cleaned and properly maintained! It’s as simple as that. Dryer vents should be cleaned at least annually… more often depending on the size of your family/laundry load. It is such an inexpensive maintenance item but SO important to prevent house fires.
Congratulations! You are now prepared to enter the inspection phase of the home buying process with a bit more confidence! There is no need to stress or keep your questions to yourself. Partner with a Realtor and Home Inspector you feel comfortable with and that has your best interest in mind, always. Call Home Services if you need anything at all.
This article was co-authored by F.C. Tucker Home Services & Win Home Inspection Fishers
Win Home Inspection – (317) 900-7714 – jvernier@wini.com
