Do you need to get a home inspection after having your real estate offer accepted? A home inspection is a crucial part of the process, and they do a lot more than you may imagine. Here is what they will look for in these 3 areas of the house.
The Attic
The inspector starts by finding out if the attic is easily accessible, then starts going through their checklist of important items. They'll evaluate the amount of insulation in the attic, and if it can benefit from having more. The structure of the attic will also be evaluated to make sure that it is in good condition without any damage. Ventilation will be evaluated to make sure that attic fans are working and that the space is dry. If there are items in the attic from the previous owner, you'll be told about those as well so that they can be removed.
The Fireplace
One part of the fireplace that can become damaged over time is the liner. The home inspector will check to see if there is any visible damage that can be seen from looking into the fireplace. The firebrick and mortar will also be evaluated to see if they are in good shape and able to contain the fire. It is easy to inspect for damage in the firebrick and liner by looking at the brick on the outside of the chimney. If there are signs of moisture with visible efflorescence on the brick, this may be a reason to be concerned. When you see that white and chalky looking substance on the outside of the bricks, that means moisture is somehow seeping through the brick to the outside and the liner is damaged.
The Laundry Room
In addition to checking on the condition of the washer and dryer, there are a lot of potential problems that could be in this space. Ventilation of the dryer will be evaluated to ensure that moisture is not going into the home and that the exterior vent is working properly with plenty of clearance. Electrical outlets will be evaluated to determine if they have GFCI standards and will shut down power if they are exposed to water.
While these are just three places where a home inspector will take a close look at your potential new home, there are plenty of other things that will be investigated. Meet with a local home inspection service for more information on what they can do for you.
Share
