Are you thinking about purchasing your first home?
Purchasing a home is one of the most significant and expensive investments anybody will make in their lifetime. Given its importance, you must take all necessary precautions and ensure the final selection ticks all the boxes.
While a home may look tidy outside, that does not always imply that the interior is as well-kept. Fortunately, buyers can obtain helpful knowledge regarding the home’s potential faults for a bit of cost. For some buyers, this might mean saving thousands of dollars!
A house inspection report can help to reveal any problems that may exist in the house. This report is beneficial for faults that are not evident to the human eye and something you’ll want to read if you’re looking for a home. This article will go through the seven most critical red flags to look for in your home inspection report.
1. Mold, Mildew, or Moisture in Excessive Amounts
Home inspection reports evaluate whether there is a significant prevalence of mildew or excessive moisture in a home. While you can find tiny levels of organic in most interiors, a home inspection can identify whether this is an issue or a concern. The bathroom, basement, doors, and windows lining are familiar places for mold and mildew to grow.
If the result indicates that mold may be a problem, you should arrange an official mold test.
2. An Outdated Electrical System
If you’re buying a historic home, you should pay close attention to the sort of electrical system installed. Many homes built before the 1960s, for example, will have antiquated electrical systems such as knobs and tube wiring. This style of wiring is hazardous and classified as a significant fire hazard.
This electrical system may not be up to code and require complete replacement in some circumstances. Not only does this often necessitate the demolition of many walls, but it will also come at a hefty expense to the buyers.
3. A Shoddy Foundation
Any structure requires a sturdy, stable foundation. The construction is prone to have a structural weakness if it does not have a firm foundation. The most severe and costly issues uncovered during a home inspection are usually foundation issues.
Not every home is exactly level, and different levels of settling have occurred. However, if the home inspector finds the foundation to be considered unstable, fractured, or otherwise damaged, this is a severe problem that homeowners must address.
4. Old or Damaged Roof
Did you know that the average asphalt shingle roof has only a twenty-year lifespan?
The quality of the roof will be one of the most critical components of the home that the home inspection will assess. If the roofing system needs to be repaired or replaced, the buyer will incur a significant expenditure. A house inspection will also determine whether the roof is up to code and in good working order.
5. A Damaged Chimney
The chimney is another component of the roof that buyers should carefully assess.
If the chimney’s structural integrity is compromised or not up to code, this is a significant infringement that can be quite costly to rectify. The house inspection will look for any cracks or loose parts that could cause problems in the future.
6. Water Damage
When found within the home, the presence of artificial water is never a good omen.
Simply put, you shouldn’t expect to see water in places where it doesn’t make sense, such as a flooded basement or leaks in the walls or ceilings.
It’s crucial to remember that water damage frequently indicates the presence of other, more significant problems ranging from a mold problem to an issue with the home’s foundation. It’s also possible that the plumbing system isn’t working correctly and requires replacement.
7. Asbestos
Asbestos is widespread in homes built before 1980. While the material was initially thought to be safe and was used in insulation, it is now known to be harmful to human health. Statistics show that every five hours, asbestos exposure causes the loss of life.
Asbestos is likely to go undiscovered if there isn’t a house inspection report, and it will have a detrimental impact on the residents.
Are You Ready to Review a Home Inspection Report?
While a home inspection is an additional expense, the benefits of having one are well worth the investment. After all, this could end up saving purchasers hundreds of dollars in the long run. However, reading a home inspection report can be perplexing and even frightening. The right specialist can lead you through the information and emphasize essential points.
At AEI Inspections, we offer the most comprehensive home inspection in Tulsa. We can explain the scope of the problems and provide estimates for resolving them. In that way, you can make informed judgments about whether or not to proceed with your purchase. Contact us today to request a quote!
