Congratulations! Your offer was accepted and it’s time to proceed towards closing.
One of your first, and most important steps, is to hire a professional home inspector to avoid costly surprises after closing. This is a standard inspection that includes:
- Room-by-room review
- Exterior home components
- Electrical systems
- Foundation and structural components – both interior and exterior
- Heating/air conditioning systems
- Plumbing systems
- Attic/crawl spaces
A thorough home inspection covers everything from foundation to roof, and takes two to three hours depending on the size and age of the property. A written inspection report will be provided and will reflect the condition of all inspected items. A typical inspection can range from $300-$600 depending on size and attributes of the home.
Some common items a home inspection could uncover are:
- Maintenance problems such as rotting decks, plumbing leaks, water damaged ceilings, etc.
- Electrical problems (even faulty fuses can lead to bigger difficulties in the future)
- Drainage problems, which could include water intrusions below the home
- Roof leaks and defects from aging
- Poor ventilation, especially in an attic; this is the time to ensure that all vents are clean and working properly
- Excess air leakage due to poor weather stripping and subpar caulking around fixtures
- Failed window seals, which are routinely found with dual pane windows
- Air Conditioning and Heating unit failures
- Faulty lines in water heaters, overflow piping and/or hazardous flue conditions
In addition to a standard Home Inspection there may be additional inspections recommended based on the features of the property. Other inspections if applicable are:
- Wood Destroying Organism (Termites, wood decay etc.)
- Well and Septic Inspection
- Pool/Spa Equipment
- Wind Mitigation
