When buying a home, it's essential to get a full inspection. This is when a professional will inspect the house from top to bottom before you buy. A detailed inspection report will include any repairs or improvements needed after you move in. The inspection report should be provided to you before you make an offer on the home. A comprehensive inspection will give you a better idea of any significant problems before buying the house. These inspections are not cheap and vary in cost depending on the size of the home and the type of inspection you want to be done.

Home Inspections

When it comes to home inspections, there are two main types:

The standard inspection is usually free and done by a local inspector. The standard inspection will cover most of what you need to know about the house, but it won't get into as much detail as a full home inspection.

The buyer usually pays for the complete home inspection done by an independent professional inspector. This type of inspection will cover everything from the foundation to the roof, and it will give you a detailed report on all the issues found during the inspection.

A home inspection is one of the most essential parts of your real estate investment process. You'll want to make sure that your home doesn't have any significant problems before you buy it — otherwise, you could end up paying thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars for repairs that weren't anticipated in your budget.

Roof

A home inspection should include a thorough look at the roof. The inspector will check for signs of leaks, missing shingles, and other damage. They will also ensure that all vents are properly installed and inspect the attic to ensure no signs of leaks or mold.

The inspector should also check for proper ventilation in attics by looking at soffit vents and gable vents.

Inspectors typically don't inspect roofs unless there's been a leak reported or visible signs of damage. However, it's still worth asking about roofing material as part of your home inspection because it can affect the resale value and may indicate other issues with your home.

Foundation

When buying a home, the foundation is one of the most important things. A thorough inspection should include an inspection of the basement, crawlspace, and slab-on-grade foundations.

A good inspector will check for signs of water penetration and leaks. They will also look for cracks in the foundation walls and floor and any signs of settling or cracks in the masonry work. If there are signs that water has been penetrating your house's exterior, it could mean problems with your foundation walls or floor. The inspector can tell you if there is any moisture in your walls or flooring that needs to be addressed before you move in. This can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road!

Crawlspaces are also an essential part of an inspection because buyers and sellers often ignore them. Crawlspaces are usually below ground level and require crawling or bending over to inspect correctly. It's easy to miss problems with a crawlspace if you don't know what to look for — but an experienced inspector will know exactly what to do when inspecting this area.

The slab-on-grade foundation is simply a concrete slab on top of dirt; it doesn't have any footings underneath it like other foundations.

Electrical

The main panel contains switches, fuses, or circuit breakers used to control lights and appliances throughout the home. The panel box is typically located in an unfinished basement or garage near the main entrance. If it's not readily visible, there are usually signs pointing toward it after entering the front door.

Each circuit breaker has a number that corresponds with an outlet or light fixture in another room of the house — this can include things like ceiling fans and outdoor lights. A fuse is basically like a circuit breaker without an automatic reset feature (like when too much power runs through one device). (You should call an electrician to fix the problem when it blows out).

Plumbing

Plumbing issues can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and lost time. Here are some things to look out for:

Look at fixtures and faucets, especially if they're old. If they've got rust or corrosion, that's a sign of neglect. Also, check for leaks around sinks and tubs and under the sinks themselves.

Check the toilet flapper valves (usually located under the tank) to ensure they're working correctly. If they're not sealing properly, you'll have constant running water from your toilets — not a pleasant sound when you're trying to sleep!

Check all drains for clogs. You can do this by pouring about 3 quarts of water down each drain and seeing if it drains away within a minute without backing up into the sink or tub below it. If it does back up, there's probably a clog somewhere down there that needs cleaning out before it gets worse (and more expensive).

Lawn

A lawn is not just an aesthetic feature; it can give you essential clues about the house's condition. If you have any doubts about the lawn, you should use a yard service to inspect it. If there are weeds on your lawn, this is usually an indicator of drainage and water pressure problems throughout your home. If there are dead patches in your lawn, there might be drainage or fertilizer application problems. If your lawn has been allowed to grow too long without being properly maintained, it could mean that there are other maintenance issues throughout the home that need to be addressed before you purchase it.

Deck Or Porches

The deck or porch is another place that potential buyers often overlook during their inspection process. However, this area can tell you a lot about what's going on inside your future home. Are there cracks in any of the boards? Are they rotting? Is there damage from termites? These are all serious concerns that may require expensive repairs or replacement down the road if left untreated now.

HVAC

Most homes have central air conditioning and heating systems, and most of those have been installed in the last 20 years. Many older houses have window units rather than central ones, which are cheaper but less efficient. HVAC systems should be in good repair and updated with the current standards. The inspector will check to see if there is enough insulation around pipes, so they don't freeze during cold weather and that there are no leaks in ductwork or any other part of the system. If there is a furnace that needs replacing, he'll tell you how much it will cost and whether it's worth doing now or waiting until after winter has passed.

Appliances

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It's a place where people come together, memories are made, and food is prepared and shared. While you don't want to buy a house based solely on its kitchen, it should be in good working order with no significant issues.

Appliances are a big part of the kitchen, so make sure they're in good condition. Look for gas leaks, frayed or broken cords, and water damage or mold signs. If there's a dishwasher, check that it opens and closes properly and doesn't leak water. Check all ranges and ovens for heat knobs that turn quickly without sticking and pilot lights that stay lit when turned off (they should go out after 30 seconds). Refrigerators should have doors that close soon without sticking and ice makers that produce enough cubes for your needs.

Exterior

Siding is typically made from wood or vinyl, which is susceptible to weathering over time. Inspect siding for peeling paint, cracks in joints, and loose nails or screws, which may indicate that it needs replacing sooner rather than later. Also, check for loose trim pieces around windows and doors, showing damage from previous storms or high winds.

Look at all gutters and downspouts to ensure they have no holes or leaks that could lead to water damage inside your home. If they have holes or leaks, they should be repaired before purchasing a home with this problem.

The condition of any exterior lighting around the house. If any light fixtures are burned out or missing bulbs, they were probably not replaced in years or decades (or ever). This may indicate that no one has taken good care of this home over time — or even worse, someone may have vandalized it at some point in its history.

Basement and Attic

Inspectors typically don't go into either of these areas because they can be dangerous and hard to access. But if there's an issue in either spot — say a sump pump isn't working correctly — it could have repercussions for the entire house.

The Result - Detailed Inspection Report

The inspector will write up an inspection report based on their findings. The report will include photos and descriptions of any damage found during the inspection and recommendations for repairs or replacements needed before you move in.

A home inspection is not required by law, but it's highly recommended for all prospective buyers. Some lenders will require one before they approve a mortgage loan application, and some sellers may request that you have one performed as part of the sales contract process.

Now that you are well-versed in the art of home inspection, you can put it to work for you in your investment. You now have the necessary tools and information to take advantage of a good home inspector. Good luck!