What to expect during a Home Inspection by The Huertas Group
Authored by: Manny & Michelle Huertas
Whether you're buying or selling a home, understanding the home inspection process is crucial if you want to have a smooth closing.
Today, we will cover the home inspection process in detail, so you understand what's happening. If you rather watch the videos instead,
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The home inspection process is typically broken into 10 main categories, as listed below:
- Roof Exterior
- Structure
- Grounds
- Electrical
- Plumbing & HVAC
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Interior Rooms
- Windows, Doors & Trim
- Wind Mitigation
Roof:
During the roof inspection, the inspector will look at the overall condition of the roof. They will notate the type of roof in the home whether it’s shingle, barrel, flat, etc. They will inspect the gutters to ensure that they are properly installed & not missing any components. The inspector will look for signs of moisture to detect any leaks or signs of water penetrating. The inspector will also notate any loose, broken, or missing tiles on the roof if applicable. Don't worry everything will be detailed in a report with photographs which will be emailed to you.
Exterior:
Let's talk about the home exterior, when it comes to the home exterior the home inspector will do a visual inspection of the property and look at a few factors. They will look at the siding to ensure that there is adequate space between the home and the actual siding itself. They will also look at the masonry to ensure that it's not rotted or destroyed. They will look at the paint to ensure that it's not weathered or blistered. The inspector wants to ensure the owner took care of the outside just as well as the inside of the home.
Structure:
For the structural part of the inspection, the home inspector will thoroughly examine the home to ensure it has a solid foundation. The inspector will look for signs of cracking or rotting and displacements in the windows and the door frames. They will double-check that the foundation is straight or leveled. Depending on what part of the country you live in (humid climates), termites are not uncommon and may be mentioned in the inspection report. A good real estate agent will ask the seller for proof of termite treatment.
Grounds:
A thorough ground inspection around the home will also take place. The inspector will look for things like faulty grading, downspouts, they're going to look at the landscaping to ensure that everything is up to par. The irrigation system will also be tested to ensure that it's working & not leaking. If the home has a pool the inspector will recommend a pool inspection at an additional charge.
Electrical:
For the electrical inspection, the home inspector will look at the electrical panel to ensure that all the cables are there & connected properly. They will verify the brand of the electrical panel to ensure there aren't any recalls or any fire hazards. They will look at the overall conditions & note any defects with the electrical panel. The inspector will also look at the outlets & light switches to ensure that all components are working and that there aren't any missing or loose outlets or light covers, the same goes for ceiling fans.
Make sure the electrical panel is easily accessible for the home inspector as they will not move anything around to get to any items. Go ahead and make this a general rule of thumb during the inspection. Ensure that the home inspector has easy access to all areas including closets, cabinets, basically anywhere that the home inspector needs access to. If not, those areas will be overlooked as part of the inspection.
Plumbing & HVAC:
For the Plumbing & HVAC portion of the inspection, the inspector will verify what type of plumbing the property currently has, to ensure it’s not dated and needs replacing.
The inspector will also check the drains to ensure they drain properly, and no clogs or obstructions are present. Next, they will check the water pressure & temperature by running the water for a period & will point a thermometer towards the water flow to ensure it is safe. The home inspector will also check the age of the water heater, connections, valves, will verify if the unit has a proper drip pan & will recommend if it needs to be replaced. The AC & thermostat will be checked to ensure that they are working properly and like the water flow they will also check that the temperature is comfortable.
Kitchen:
The inspector will check all the electrical outlets to ensure they are working properly and have their proper covers when it comes to the kitchen. They will also test all the GFCI outlets. The inspector will run & test all the appliances including the dishwasher to ensure that it completes the entire cycle. They're going to check the stove & hood range, so the smell of fried foods circulates out. they’re also going to check the refrigerator to ensure that it’s properly cooling and that all other components are working. The inspector will run the microwave and many times make popcorn for those present at the inspection. The washer and dryer will be tested to ensure that they complete their cycle. The inspector will also check the drawers & cabinets to ensure they will open and close. They will also notate missing covers & will look at the sink & pipe connections in the cabinet to ensure there are no signs of water leaks or mold.
Bathrooms:
For the bathroom portion of the inspection, the home inspector will be looking at a few things. First, they will check the toilet to ensure that it is properly installed & that it's not leaking. They will test the toilet to ensure it flushes and does not make weird noises. They will check the shower and all the sinks to ensure that all components are working properly, that the water flows & drains efficiently. The inspector will check & test the light switches in the bathroom to ensure that there are GFCI outlets for safety reasons. They will check the exhaust fan if applicable to ensure that it’s connected correctly, and it works. They're going to check for signs of possible leaks or any future or past damage throughout the bathroom itself. Sellers, any information about possible leaks or damaged items throughout your home in general, make sure you notate that info in the seller’s disclosure.
Interior Rooms:
During the interior room inspection, the home inspector will check the walls, ceiling, baseboards, and flooring. The home inspectors will notice if the walls are safe, straight or if they are leaning. They will check that the baseboard is properly installed. They will also check for evidence of leaks or termite damage & will also check the flooring to ensure there are no loose or missing tiles. If there is carpet, they will note stains or any damage. They will check the AC / heating vents by pointing a thermometer gun towards the vents to ensure the temperature is comfortable. Sellers if you're getting ready to sell your home it is imperative that you disclose any previous or current leaks in the home also important to note is what methods you took to remedy these leaks. The more information you have ready, the better it is for the new homeowner.
Windows, Doors & Trim:
For the windows, doors, and trim portion of the inspection, the home inspector will look at the windows to ensure that they're opening and closing properly, that the hardware mechanism is locking, that the weather stripping around the window is good to go to ensure that water stays out. The doors will be checked to ensure that the hardware, knobs, and components are properly installed.
Wind Mitigation:
A wind mitigation inspection will be necessary depending on which state you live in. This type of inspection may lower your insurance premium for your home. During this inspection, the home inspectors will check the overall conditions of the home to verify that it can withstand hurricane winds.
Closing:
We know there was plenty of info offered here and your head is probably spinning right now but don't worry we're here for you…
Sellers: As we've mentioned many times throughout this article, make sure you list as much information in the seller’s disclosure as humanly possible. This way we are covered should any issues arise in the inspection, and not only would it show some honesty & transparency, but it'll also make things less stressful for all parties.
Buyers: We know there's a lot of information in the inspection report so we understand that it might be stressful and that your head is probably spinning with all those pages. No worries, we real estate professionals are here to ensure that this process is as easy and as stress-free as possible for you. We will address all the items that are listed in that inspection report, and we will identify which ones are safety concerning so we can go back to the seller and see if they can help us out with those items.
If you need a reliable real estate team on your side, make sure to visit our website @ TheHuertasGroup.com or email us @ thehuertasgroup@gmail.com
Cell: 754-235-1420 Manny & Michelle Huertas