This may be hard to hear, but the perfect home just didn’t exist. Even if you find a beautiful home in your budget and in the location you want, there are going to be things that pop up that you’ll want to change or tweak. This can be as simple as the way the front yard is landscaped to an awkward living room layout.
However, getting a home inspection is needed in order to make sure the issues that the buyer didn’t notice beforehand are brought to light. Without these inspections that are often recommended by real estate agents, you could be paying more in costly repairs and renovations that you didn’t anticipate.
Read on to learn all about what inspections are needed when buying a house in Quail Lake so that you won’t regret your purchase in the future!
When you have a general home inspection done, your inspector will walk around both the interior and exterior of your home. They’ll inspect all areas that are easy for them to access and don’t require extra tools. A house inspection before buying only costs a few hundred dollars and typically includes a report on any issues with the:
If you can, it’s important that you walk through the home with the inspector so that you can get an idea of the process. They’ll also point out smaller flaws that they typically don’t put on the report, which is only for moderate to severe flaws.
After the general inspection, your inspector may recommend more specialized inspections based on what they document in the report. They may also recommend other contractors for specialized issues, such as electricians, plumbers, or pest control.
Based on what your inspector finds after your general inspection, there are more specialized inspectors for houses that you may need to hire. You may want to schedule these inspections on your own if you feel you’re in a high-risk area, such as a termite inspection.
Some states require this inspection regardless if you suspect there are termites are in the home or not. If you’re in a high-risk area, this is an important inspection to have. You don’t want to move all your furniture and items in and then realize you need to get your house tented soon after.
Your inspector will look for any sign of structural damage or decay, such as soft wood. They’ll also make sure there aren’t any active infestations–shed termite wings on your floor are a common sign. Lastly, they’ll report will conclude with their findings and recommendations on the next steps.
Radon gas is an odorless and colorless gas that can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, making basements the most likely places the gas is coming from. It’s formed from natural, radioactive elements breaking down.
According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, so this kind of test shouldn’t be taken lightly. If there’s a history of radon exposure, you need to get an inspector.
Although long-term 90-day testing is typically recommended, if the seller knows that their home doesn’t have a history of radon gas exposure, you can have a 48-hour test done instead.
Mold is typically straightforward–if you see it, then you have it and need to get it removed as soon as possible. However, buyers looking for homes in warm and humid climates need to be wary of mold that may be hidden in hard to access areas of the home.
Mold inspectors will take air samples of areas that you suspect have mold. They can also test the drywall for dampness.
Foundation inspections are important because they let you know if there are any drainage issues with the exterior of your home. Although short-term drainage issues aren’t a problem, if they continue for the long-term you’ll be dealing with costly water damage.
Foundation inspectors can also let you know if the foundation is faulty.
Last but not least, it’s important that you get a sewer or septic tank inspection if your home is more than 20 years old. Inspectors can use small cameras attached to a snake in order to look into your sewer lines and make sure they’re not being backed up by roots or other debris.
Your home may also have a cesspool that’s connected to the city’s sewer line, and inspectors can make sure it isn’t damaged. If your home was made in the 1950s, the sewer line may even be made out of tar paper, which will need to be replaced. Today, sewer lines are made from a more durable material such as PVC, cast iron, and even clay.
Although these inspections will cost several hundred dollars, you’ll be saving yourself money in the longterm. The cost of replacing a damaged sewer line can be thousands.
Knowing what inspections are needed when buying a house will safeguard you from unexpected surprises and high bills that can stretch your budget in the future. For instance, if you fail to get your house inspected and don’t notice the subtle signs of soft wood from termite damage, this can cost you thousands of dollars.
You’ll need to exterminate the termites completely and then deal with the repair and renovation costs for your home. Likewise, a radon gas inspection will give you peace of mind by ensuring that you’re not slowly damaging your health by living in a home filled with dangerous gas.
Ready to purchase a home in Quail Lake the right way? Check out our available listings today!