Inspections – Which ones are most important? Check this list.

Which inspections should you get when buying a home?

With time deadlines, money pressures, last minute loan requests for more information and just the overall stress of buying a home, it easy for a buyer to underestimate the importance of having additional home inspections.

Don’t let the stress and pressure prevent you from getting all of the information you need to make one of the biggest purchases of your life. Not only can you save yourself from finding major issues down the road – you miss out on essential bargaining chips to save money in the short term.

No Matter What Get The Most Important Inspection – A basic Home Inspection

The key inspection that every home buyer should obtain is a basic home inspection. It provides a third party, unbiased inspection of the home that will point out a non emotional view of the home’s condition. The standard home inspection may be the only inspection that is needed in many cases.

Other types of inspections that may be wise will differ from home to home, geographic area to geographic area, what the initial home inspection reveals and items you may notice viewing the property. For example, there are areas in the United States that have high radon levels so it would be prudent to have one of those inspections performed whereas in other areas of the US have little to no Radon gas so it is not relevant.

Other Types of Inspections

• Radon inspection
• Termite and pest inspection
• Mold and mildew inspection
• Roof inspection
• HVAC inspection
• Fireplace and chimney level 2 inspection
• Pool and spa inspection
• Geo technical / soil inspection
• Sewer line video & inspection

Home Inspection

The number one thing a buyer can do to avoid ending up in a money pit is to have a home inspection by a qualified home inspector. Learn what qualifications to look for when choosing an inspector. Once you have an inspection performed it is still wise to carefully review the report and schedule any additional inspections based on the findings.

Pest Control Inspection

The leading cause of damage to a home is termites (wood destroying organisms). Also, fungi and wood rot is normally included in the pest inspection.

Pool and Spa Inspection

There are several different levels of pool inspections and these can be obtained from several sources. Some times a buyer may only want the equipment inspected while others will want a more thorough inspection.

Roof Inspection

Home inspectors generally perform an inspection a roof for defects. Should they not be able to see all of the roof or spot possible defects, they will often recommend having a professional roofer or contractor look at the roof for a more in-depth analysis.

Mold and Mildew Inspection

All homes have some form of mold and mildew. Not all molds are harmful, but a few are. Under a few circumstances questions may arise or there may be evidence of possible mold and a buyer may feel more comfortable after a complete mold and mildew inspection.

Radon Inspection

Depending on where you live in the world it may be advisable to have a Radon test & inspection performed. The home inspector or real estate agent should know whether or not this test should be performed in a given geographical area.

Geotechnical Inspection

If soil or some foundation issues are of concern, then a geotechnical inspection will provide additional information specifically for these concerns.

HVAC Inspection

Furnaces, air-conditioners and other types of heating and cooling can be checked or reviewed by an HVAC contractor. Generally a home inspection will do a preliminary inspection and a higher level of inspection should be conducted by an HVAC contractor or qualified technician.

Fireplace & Chimney Inspection

Buyers may wish to have a Level 1, 2 or 3 inspection done on their fireplace. A fireplace inspection is different than having the chimney cleaned.

Sewer Line Inspection and/or Sewer Line Video

Helps find sewer pipes that have:

• Roots in sewer line
• Off-set pipes
• Collapsed sewer lines
• Lines with a “belly” or sags; water standing in line.

Sewer line inspection help discover issues with your sewer lines and often include videoing the sewer line past the curb to the connection at the main sewer in the street.