What Is Included In a Typical Home Inspection?

It should come as no surprise that purchasing a home can be the most expensive purchase you will ever make. As a result, it is critical to understand exactly what to expect before making a purchase. This is where a Long Island home inspector can help. But what exactly is it, and what does it entail? What is included in a typical home inspection?

The job of a home inspector is to go through every square foot of your home and ensure that everything works properly. Nothing should be overlooked, beginning with a visual inspection of your home’s structure and progressing to a manual inspection of every electrical outlet, heating element, and plumbing fixture.

What catches the eye of a home inspector?

A home inspection is a visual inspection of your home’s interior and exterior that will alert you to a malfunction, the need for replacement, or an unsafe situation. Without early detection of these issues, major problems and costly repairs may occur.

The inspector will look for, among other things, the following:

• Water harm
• Electricity and plumbing
• The foundation and the roofing
• Ventilation and insulation
• Overall structural strength

The following are the main points that will be covered during the inspection.

1. Basement / Attic

• Is the attic easy to get to?
• Is the attic adequately ventilated?
• Is there any indication of water damage in the attic?
• Is there a damp or moldy odor in the basement?
• Is there any visible evidence of water damage in the basement?
• Is there any foundation cracking?

2. HVAC / Chimney

• Is the chimney’s mortar crumbling or unstable?
• Is there evidence of smoke stains on the outside of the firebox?
• Is creosote accumulating in the firebox?
• Do you require an inspection of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system?

3. Electricity / Water

• Is it simple to reach the water heater switch?
• Is the water heater of sufficient size to meet your requirements?
• Is the switch panel easy to reach?
• Is your electrical system up to code and appropriate for your home?
• Is there a sufficient number of electrical outlets in each room?
• Are all of the outlets operational?
• Walls, floors, windows, and doors are all examples of four-dimensional structures.
• Is there evidence of water damage on the ceilings, walls, or floors of the house?
• Is the drywall separating from the wall?
• Is there any damage to the walls?
• Are the floors slanted?
• Is there any damage to the windows or doors?
• Are the doors well-sealed?
• Is there mold on the windows or window sills?

5) Toilet

• Is the bathroom adequately ventilated?
• Is the tub or shower caulking moldy or missing?
• Is there any cracking in the tub or shower?
• What is the water pressure like?
• Is the water easily drained?
• Is the bathroom floor spongy, or are there any loose tiles?

6) The kitchen

• Is there adequate ventilation above each cooking appliance?
• Are the kitchen cabinets well-secured to the wall?
• Turn on the faucet.
• What is the water pressure like?
• Is the water easily drained?
• Evidence of a water leak under the sink or refrigerator?
• Is the kitchen floor spongy, or are there any loose tiles?

7) On the outside

• Is the balcony or patio code-compliant?
• Is the balcony or patio set back far enough from the house to allow for proper irrigation?
• Is it safe to use the railings and steps?
• Is there evidence of rot or termite damage if the exterior is made of wood?
• Are the bricks and mortar in good condition if the exterior is made of brick?
• Is the chimney’s mortar crumbling or unstable?
• Are the roof shingles broken, curled, or missing?
• Is the foundation strong enough?
• Is there any foundation cracking?
• Is there standing water in the yard or near the foundation?
• Is there any cracking in the driveway or walkway, and is it level?
• Is the driveway and walkway properly draining?

We hope you gained information regarding what is included in a typical home inspection. For more information please contact us.