A home inspection service is designed to protect homebuyers from purchasing a home that is in need of multiple repairs, or is a health hazard. Many home sellers will also contact Reedy Set Go Home Inspections to inspect the home prior to listing it, allowing sellers to make repairs prior to the listing going live. Having a home pre-inspected and allowing the buyer to have access to the report gives a buyer confidence to make an offer. Buyers are extremely hesitant to purchase a home without an inspection completed as they may be concerned about mold, meth, radon, pests, appliance repair, or hazardous materials like asbestos and lead. Here are some things you need to know about home inspections and what you can expect when our team comes to inspect your home.
How long does a home inspection take?
On average, home inspections will take approximately two to four hours based on the size of the home. Homeowners will be provided a report when the inspection has been completed. Here are some of the areas that we will inspect:
- Roofing, flashing, gutters, and flue penetrations
- Plumbing lines, drains, fixtures, and water heaters
- Interior and Exterior finishes
- Electrical Service, panels, outlets, switches, and fixtures
- Kitchen Appliances (Fridge, Microwave, Dishwasher, Oven, Etc)
- Foundation and structural integrity
- Garage Door operation, and safety features
- HVAC Systems, ducts, filters, and registers
- Fireplace, flue, and chimney
- Ventilation, and insulation systems
- Basement, crawlspace, and attic structures
We do provide add-on inspection services including:
- Mold and Air Quality Testing
- Radon Gas Testing
- Methamphetamine Testing
- Asbestos Identification
- Lead-Based Paint Testing
- Sprinkling System Testing
- Pool and hot tub Testing
- Water Quality Testing
Why Do I Need a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is required by many lenders. However, the type of home inspection service is based on the buyer’s budget. If you are purchasing a home, an inspection is recommended so you can identify areas that need improvement prior to purchasing the home.
If you fail to purchase a home inspection and you find there are serious issues with the home, you are now liable for those repairs as the new homeowner. Identifying problems with an inspection can help you reduce the asking price and negotiate for a fair rate based on the amount of work the home will require.
Key Areas to Consider When Purchasing a Home
The brand new kitchen, or bathrooms, and carpeting, and paint can mask serious problems with a home! We always recommend a home inspection as you never know the history of the home and problems that could be lurking in the home. Here are some areas that are prone to problems when we inspect homes for sale:
- Dampness in the basement. If you see any standing water, or you notice wetness on the walls or flooring of a basement, it’s a sign there is a problem. As home inspectors, we go through damp basements and crawlspaces to identify the problem. A damp basement or crawlspace could indicate mold and mildew growth. While there have been some major concerns over mold, most homes have a slight amount that can be cleaned and sanitized appropriately. Most foundation leaks in the home are due to problems with the gutters and downspouts not working properly and may be as simple as gutters clogged with debris.
- Roofing and chimney concerns. One part of our inspection process involves climbing on the roof and inspecting the shingles, vents, flashing, and the chimney. We will look for moist, rotted, and missing shingles to determine what type of repairs are needed. Leaks in the roof can be common around the chimney. If flashing is not watertight, leaks will occur. We always inspect the flashing and make sure the roof is inspected correctly when creating our report.
- Plumbing concerns. Another common area that needs some inspection work is the plumbing system. If you are purchasing a home, always make sure inspection services including the plumbing. The problem we often see is drips under sinks and leaking toilets that are not seated tightly to the floor. We check the water pressure, turn on the faucets, and inspect the toilets to make sure everything works as it should. In addition to the common appliances, we will inspect the dishwasher too and make sure it is functioning correctly.
- Electrical problems. The electrical system of a home is the system that keeps everything else working. A malfunction in the electrical system is not only a headache, it is a safety hazard. We will check the service entrance panel and breaker box for grounding, breakers, and properly sized breaker/wire combinations. We also check available outlets and checking for ground and polarity.
- HVAC system test. What happens if you buy a home and the heater or AC go out a short time after moving in? Having a home inspector do an HVAC test will allow you to see the age and condition of the current HVAC system and if repair, cleaning, and/or tune-up is needed prior to purchasing the home. A new air conditioner and furnace can be a large investment, and one that you could avoid with a home inspection.
Preparing for a Home Inspection
If you have ordered a home inspection or someone has ordered one for the home you are selling, you may be wondering what happens now. At Reedy Set Go, we, the realtors will always work with you prior to the home inspection so you are aware of the date and time. While it’s helpful to have easy access to all areas of your home, do not feel like you need to deep clean the home. We can do an inspection on the home in any condition. Do not feel discouraged if you do see some negative areas on the inspection report as it is common for all homes to need a few updates, maintenance, or minor repairs. We make notes and take pictures of everything we identify to ensure the buyer and the seller are both protected in the sale and purchase of a home.
It is important to work with your real estate agent once the home inspection report is emailed to you. Your agent will help you to identify elements on the report are common to ask to have repaired. Just because certain items are highlighted does not mean the buyer can request each item to be repaired or replaced. The inspection report can help to negotiate fair terms for buyers and sellers.
Contact Reedy Set Go today for more information about home inspection services in Northern Utah or to schedule a home inspection service.