Axios Home Inspection can help buyers identify major and minor defects that could affect the home’s value, safety, or structural integrity. This can give them negotiating leverage during the closing process.
Buyers often benefit from attending a home inspection as it allows them to ask the inspector questions in person. This provides clear explanations and information that may be missed in the written report.
A home’s foundation is vital to its overall structure and integrity. The structural engineer performing the inspection will examine all the elements contributing to a stable foundation. This includes the exterior soil, the type of foundation, and the drainage system. The engineer will also inspect the walls and look for any signs of damage. If there are wide cracks in the wall or a bowed wall, it could indicate that water is getting into the house and causing damage.
When looking for a foundation inspector, it is important to find one who has experience in this area. They should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in structural engineering and be licensed in your state. In addition, they should be able to identify problems with the foundation and provide you with suggestions for repairing them.
Some signs of a problem with the foundation include: cracks in the wall that are 18 inch wide or more, cracks that span around corners, stair-step cracks in concrete block walls, sloping floors in living areas, doors and windows that stick, and bowing or leaning walls. It is also a good idea to inspect the crawl space for moisture or mold that could cause wood supports to rot and weaken the foundation.
A home foundation inspection is an essential part of the process of buying a new home. A foundation problem can lead to serious issues with the roof and the interior of the home. It is best to catch these problems as early as possible to prevent them from becoming worse. If you are looking to add a room or another floor to your home, it’s best to have a foundation inspection before starting construction.
Electrical
Homeowners often don’t think about their electrical systems until they start having problems. The good news is that most of the time, the issue can be fixed by a qualified electrician at a reasonable cost.
During an electrical inspection, the inspector will check all of the home’s outlets (also called receptacles) to make sure that they are all working properly. He or she will also examine the wiring and determine if it is up to code, including the proper wire gauge for each circuit (i.e., 15-amp circuits require 14-gauge wire, while 20-amp circuits call for 12-gauge wire).
The home inspector will also look at the electrical panel to verify that it has been installed correctly and that it does not have any signs of rodent or water damage. Additionally, he or she will look for GFCI outlets in all rooms where an outlet might be exposed to water, such as near a sink, hot tub, or below-grade outlets. The home inspector will also test the grounding system to ensure that it is in place and working properly, which is crucial to prevent shocks or fires.
If the inspector finds any issues, he or she will note them in the home inspection report and provide the homeowner with an estimate for any needed repairs. Some problems, such as outlets that are too close to water or incorrect polarity, may only require a simple fix, while others, such as older, knob-and-tube wiring, may need to be replaced completely.
While the cost of a home electrical inspection is usually very reasonable, there are some cases where it can be extremely expensive. For example, if an entire house needs to be rewired, the home inspector will recommend that it be done by a licensed electrician before putting the property on the market.
Plumbing
The plumbing system in a home carries gallons of water every day through many pipes. During the home inspection, inspectors will check to make sure that these pipes are not leaking and are in good condition. They will also test the toilets and other fixtures to make sure they are functioning properly. In addition, they will inspect the water heater, and look at all accessible plumbing shut off valves.
Pipes can be exposed to a lot of stress and damage in a home, especially in older homes. These problems often show up in the form of leaks and clogs. If left unchecked, these issues can cause a great deal of expensive damage to the home. A plumbing inspection can catch these issues before they become a problem and prevent future costly repair bills.
If you are buying a home, you should get a professional home inspection before closing. A thorough home inspection will highlight any potential issues and allow you to negotiate with the seller for repairs or a lower purchase price. If a problem arises that cannot be resolved, the buyer may decide to cancel the sale or withdraw from escrow.
Outside Plumbing Issues
A lot of plumbing problems are found beyond the home itself, in the outdoor piping. These include sprinkler and lawn irrigation piping, as well as sewer lines. Inspectors will also check the underground piping to make sure that it is not leaking. If the piping is made from polybutylene, it will be noted on the report as a possible issue for future repairs as this piping material degrades over time and can result in water line leaks. The inspector will recommend a plumber for further evaluation if this is the case.
HVAC
The home inspector can’t guarantee that the heating and air systems will be working properly, but he or she can tell you whether there are any obvious problems. He or she can also recommend a professional to help you with the necessary repairs. In addition, he or she can evaluate the ventilation system to make sure it is pulling in outside air and expelling inside air.
The inspection includes a visual examination of the foundation, walls, roof, attic, and eaves. The inspector will check to see if there are any cracks in the foundation, walls, or roof; signs of water damage to the siding or roofing; and other issues that may be problematic.
In the house, the inspector will evaluate the plumbing and electrical systems to make sure they are in good condition. He or she will look at the water heater to see if it is leaking or has a safety valve, and he or she will make sure that the heating and cooling systems are running efficiently. The inspector will also check for proper ventilation, such as making sure that the clothes dryer vents to the outside and not into the attic.
In addition to the standard home inspection, some companies offer ancillary services such as inspecting pools and sprinkler systems, testing for wood-destroying organisms, and checking radon levels. These extras can add to the cost of the home inspection, but they can be valuable in deciding whether to buy the property.
Roof
Home inspectors can do a visual examination of the roof, but they cannot check it for problems that can’t be seen without dismantling shingles or removing part of the structure. If there’s a problem, the homeowner should hire a roof specialist to examine it and recommend any repairs.
The home inspector also checks the attic for adequate insulation, signs of leaking or water damage and the condition of the wood framing. The inspector usually doesn’t look at the chimney and fireplace but can refer you to a specialist. The inspection may include a test for radon, but only if the house was built before 1980; otherwise it is not necessary.
It’s a good idea for the buyer to attend the home inspection. That way, the inspector can explain his or her findings and you will better understand the property. Afterward, the buyers can discuss any issues with the seller and work out a compromise.
Most sellers are eager to close a sale, so they might be willing to repair a few minor defects in the home. However, they might balk at paying for a major problem that a home inspector uncovers after the fact. If the buyer backs out of the deal, it can cost the seller a lot of money and time.
A home inspection before you make an offer can help you avoid costly surprises and delays. A professional home inspector can help you determine a fair price for the home and warn you of any potential hazards.
