Should you arrange for a home inspection before you purchase a property? Absolutely. It’s one of the largest, if not THE largest investments in your life, making sure that everything is in working condition is a crucial matter!
When you buy a home, you don’t just get the beautiful brick fireplace or the gorgeous kitchen that made you fall in love with the place. You’re also stuck with any problems that are harder to spot with an untrained eye.
A home inspector will go from top to bottom through the property you’re thinking about purchasing. If you hire a reputable, licensed professional, they will provide you with a contract agreement that explicitly states what will be inspected. At the end of the process, you receive an in-depth condition report on a broad range of features in the home.
An inspector knows where and how to look for potential problems that could have huge financial implications for homebuyers. The last thing you want is a massive bill for an overhaul of the electrical system right after you just purchased the property. With an inspection report in hand, you’ll have the information you need to negotiate a fair price and avoid some of the surprise repairs that can spoil a new home for you.
Home inspectors can’t check every single detail of a home, but they do cover an impressive list of features. Here’s what a professional inspector should cover in routine a inspection:
*Exteriors – decks, patios, windows, doors, exterior trim, drainage, and grading.
*Roofing – judge the life expectancy and current condition of coverings, flashing, vents and chimneys, downspouts and gutters.
*Structures – crawlspaces and foundation, beams and structural posts, walls, insulation.
*Interiors – ceilings, floors, walls, doors, windows, stairs, stoves, and fireplaces.
*Attics – insulation, ventilation, water leaks, roof construction
*Kitchens and bathrooms – appliances, electrical, ventilation, showers and tubs, sinks, toilets, faucets, countertops and cabinets.
*HVAC – check functionality and cleanliness of heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment; vents and ducts; combustion air; gas piping.
*Plumbing – identify materials, water and gas shutoffs, water heaters, water pressure, fixtures.
*Electrical Systems – main panel, wiring to house, wiring material in house, outlets, grounding, light fixtures, switches, GFCI protection
*Garages – openers and doors, electrical, insulation, walls, floors.
Safety features – CO2 detectors and smoke detectors.
If you have any questions about Colorado Springs home inspections, Steve Willis of Willis Home Inspection is a great resource for local homeowners. Email Steve at stevewillis411@gmail.com or call him at 719-499-3221 to talk about your home inspection needs with an American Society of Home Inspectors certified professional.