What are the most commonly missed inspection items?
What are the most commonly missed inspection items? Are these critical items to the sale of a home? What have you done to ensure that these items are noted by your home inspectors?
As a home inspector, it's crucial to ensure that every aspect of a home is inspected to guarantee the safety and health of the homeowner. Unfortunately, many inspectors overlook crucial inspection items that could potentially impact the sale of the home. In this blog, we will discuss the most commonly missed inspection items, their criticality to the sale of a home, and what you can do to ensure that these items are noted during the inspection process.
1. The Roof
The roof is arguably one of the most critical components of a home, yet it is often overlooked by home inspectors. Homeowners can suffer from leaks and structural damage if the roof is not inspected properly. A faulty roof can cause significant damage, and it's not a cheap fix. A roof replacement can cost homeowners anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000, and that's not including any repairs that need to be made to the interior of the home due to water damage.
When inspecting the roof, the inspector should check for any damage, missing or broken shingles, and whether the flashing is properly installed. The inspector should also look for any signs of leakage, such as water stains on the ceiling or walls.
To ensure that these items are noted, the inspector should use a ladder to inspect the roof up close. They can also use a drone or a camera to inspect hard-to-reach areas. An inspector should also ask the homeowner if they have noticed any leaks or other issues with the roof.
2. The Electrical System
The electrical system is another commonly overlooked area during home inspections. A faulty electrical system can lead to electrical shock, electrical fires, or other potential hazards. Home inspectors should check the electrical panel to ensure that it's properly installed and labeled. They should also check for any exposed wires, overloaded circuits, and improper grounding.
To ensure that these items are noted, the inspector should use a circuit tester to check outlets, light fixtures, and switches. The inspector should also ask the homeowner if they have noticed any issues with the electrical system, such as flickering lights or tripping circuit breakers.
3. The Foundation
The foundation of a home is what supports the entire structure, yet it's often overlooked during inspections. A faulty foundation can cause structural damage and can be incredibly costly to repair.
During an inspection, the inspector should check for any cracks or settling in the foundation, as well as any water damage or signs of moisture intrusion. The inspector should also check the crawl space or basement for any signs of water damage or mold growth.
To ensure that these items are noted, the inspector should use a level to check for any sloping or unevenness in the floors. They should also use a moisture meter to check for any signs of moisture in the walls or floors.
4. The HVAC System
The HVAC system is responsible for heating and cooling the home, yet it's another commonly overlooked area during inspections. A faulty HVAC system can lead to poor indoor air quality and high utility bills.
During an inspection, the inspector should check the HVAC system for any signs of wear and tear, such as rust or corrosion. They should also check the filters, ductwork, and vents for any signs of damage or blockage.
To ensure that these items are noted, the inspector should use a thermal imaging camera to check for any leaks or blockages in the ductwork. They should also ask the homeowner when the HVAC system was last serviced and if there have been any issues with heating or cooling.
5. The Plumbing System
The plumbing system is responsible for delivering clean water to the home and removing wastewater. A faulty plumbing system can lead to leaks, water damage, and poor water quality.
During an inspection, the inspector should check the pipes for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or damage. They should also check the water pressure and drainage for any signs of blockage or slow draining.
To ensure that these items are noted, the inspector should run the faucets and flush the toilets to check for proper water flow and drainage. They should also ask the homeowner if they have noticed any leaks or issues with the plumbing system.
Are these critical items to the sale of a home?
The short answer is yes, all of these commonly missed inspection items are critical to the sale of a home. If any of these components are faulty or not functioning properly, it could lead to significant repairs for the homeowner or potential safety hazards. This could ultimately impact the sale of the home, as potential buyers may be hesitant to purchase a home with known issues.
Home inspectors play a crucial role in identifying any potential issues with the home, and ensuring that these commonly missed inspection items are noted is essential to guaranteeing the safety and health of the homeowner.
What have you done to ensure that these items are noted by your home inspectors?
As a homeowner, there are steps you can take to ensure that these commonly missed inspection items are noted during the inspection process. Here are some tips:
1. Hire a reputable home inspector: When choosing a home inspector, it's essential to do your research and choose a reputable inspector who has experience in the industry. Look for online reviews or ask for referrals from friends or family members who have recently purchased a home.
2. Attend the inspection: If possible, attend the home inspection with the inspector. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and ensure that the inspector is thoroughly inspecting each area of the home.
3. Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions during the inspection process. If you have concerns about a specific area of the home, ask the inspector to pay extra attention to that area.
4. Read the inspection report: After the inspection is complete, read the inspection report thoroughly. If there are any areas that were not inspected or noted in the report, contact the inspector for clarification.
In conclusion, ensuring that all components of a home are thoroughly inspected is essential to guaranteeing the safety and health of the homeowner. By being aware of the commonly missed inspection items and taking steps to ensure that these items are noted during the inspection process, homeowners can feel confident in their purchase and avoid any potential safety hazards or costly repairs down the line. As a homeowner, it's important to hire a reputable home inspector, attend the inspection, ask questions, and thoroughly review the inspection report to ensure that all aspects of the home have been thoroughly inspected.