When buying a new home, you want to make sure everything from the foundation to the roof is in good condition. That’s why we always recommend inspecting the entire property before closure. You don’t want to be surprised by some hidden costs and unplanned maintenance that may pass under the radar and cause you trouble later on. Sometimes, general inspection will suffice. But, there are circumstances when it’s necessary to combine different types of home inspection, especially if the property is older or has changed several owners.

Several different types of home inspection

A general home inspection might be good for giving you an overview of the entire property. However, they can also advise you on how to proceed if there are problems that require specialized assistance. There might be an obvious problem with leaking, for example, so you want to know the causes and how to handle it. If you’re going to deal with these specific problems successfully, it’s crucial to find licensed and certified home inspectors. After all, the inspection costs are nothing compared to expenses you may have later if you don’t address the problems.

To raise the awareness of possible problems, here are some of the most common types of home inspection you should know:

  1. Roof inspection
  2. Chimney and fireplace inspection
  3. Electrical installation inspection
  4. Heating and air conditioning inspection
  5. Water systems and plumbing inspection
  6. Sewer system inspection
  7. Pool and spa inspection
  8. Mold Inspection
  9. Pest inspection
  10. Paint inspection

Roof inspection

Starting from the top, you should inspect your roof. This is especially important if the property is older or visually worn off. In general, roof inspection at the start can save you hundreds of dollars per year you would otherwise spend on repairs. Most common problems with roofs include cracks, hidden mold, and wood structure rotting. So, it would be best if you had a specialized roof inspector check everything to prolong your roof’s lifespan.

Chimney and fireplace inspection

This type of inspection checks if anything is blocking the proper venting inside your chimney and fireplace. Also, it includes a structural assessment to make sure there are no cracks. If they are not appropriately maintained, it can lead to problems with smoke, pests and even cause a fire. Not to mention that carbon monoxide that doesn’t come out can seriously endanger people inside. That’s why it’s crucial to have a specialized residential inspector check the property before you make a final decision.

Electrical installation inspection

One of the major causes of fire is bad and neglected electrical installations. We know that moving to a new place can be exhilarating and is often in a rush. But, this can be dangerous because it’s easy to overlook things like inspecting electrical installations inside walls. Before you buy a new house, make sure to go with complete electrical system inspections. Find a professional who will check everything from exposed wires to failure inside panels.

Heating and air conditioning inspection

Before you buy a new property, make sure to check the temperature differences from the heating and air conditioning systems, especially if you are not the first potential owner of the property. For this, HVAC specialists are the best choice because they will help you determine if the systems are adequately maintained. They will also tell you if there are any malfunctions currently present. And, how much it will cost you to deal with repairs.

Water systems and plumbing inspection

The best way to ensure your water and plumbing system is in good condition is to have a specialist inspect them. They will discover any signs of leaks, problems with drains, or insufficient water pressure. All these are signals there is something that requires immediate attention. Besides visible problems, plumbing inspection can discover if something is wrong within less apparent areas like inside the pipes, appliances, and in the inner side of pipe connections.

Sewer system inspection

Depending on the age and type of property, some older houses might have different sewer or septic systems. Problems with water flow and clog can easily cause floods and other unpleasant situations with odors. Basically, a professional sewer system inspection will allow you to eliminate the possibility of similar problems. And can also give you advice about how to upgrade the systems, if it’s possible.

Pool and spa inspection

Buying a house with a pool or spa sounds exciting. But maintaining them doesn’t come so cheap. To prevent any unnecessary costs in the future, you should call professional inspectors to check their condition. Although it looks simple, pool systems are pretty complex. They include heaters, pumps, wires, filters, and structural components like tiling, ladders, or other safety measures. There is also the need to maintain the chemical balance of water.

Mold inspection

One of the most unpleasant and persistent problems can be a problem with mold. Not only does it ruin the property, but it’s also dangerous to people’s health. Usually, mold can be found in humid areas. But it also appears in parts of homes susceptible to water damage, like basements or under roofs. In most extreme cases, when the mold is hidden from the eye, it can completely spread throughout the property before you even notice. With a specialized mold inspection, you can test the home for the presence of any mold. This will often save you from wasting money on a bad investment.

Pest inspection

In case you are buying a house, don’t forget that pests can contaminate both the interior and exterior. All the different types of insects and rodents can infest and cause severe damage to the property. Remember that, in some warmer areas, termites may be a common problem. They can be extremely destructive because they ruin the wooden structure of the homes. Fortunately, licensed structural inspectors can quickly discover any structural damage and point you in the right direction about how to deal with them.

 

Paint inspection

This is something to pay attention to, especially if the property is very old. Up until 1978, some paints contained considerable traces of led, which, given its nature, is a toxic metal. Even though lead-based paint has been banned since 1978, you should still have the older house inspected by professionals. They will test the layers on your home and explain how to remove them. Overall, depending on the size of the house, removing and repainting can be a considerable investment.

In most cases, you won’t need all these inspections. A general home inspection will suffice if the property is new construction. But, if the property is old, and has changed several owners, a few different types of home inspection will help you evaluate the condition of the property. And, give you a good estimate if it’s worth investing in it.

BIO: Brandon Jones works closely with My Brooks Moving by offering the best pieces of advice for people who are considering changing their homes. He often provides guidelines about different real estate topics from the vast experience with home buying and relocation.