Home Inspection Tips*

As a contractor, I find many clients looking for their dream homes. However, when the time to purchase comes, it is extremely important to pay for the services of a certified home inspector. Only a well-trained, licensed professional will be capable of evaluating the structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical conditions of your future home to ensure you are not falling into a financial disaster. 

General Details

The first step towards inspecting a home is examining its general details.

·      Where is the house located?

·      Are there other homes of similar age, looks, and construction close to the home being inspected? A comparison will give you a general idea of the maintenance of the property.

·      Are there significant modifications to the exterior of the building and if so, how is the quality of the work? Was the job done under a permit? 

There is a systematized approach to the inspection; however, here, I offer a simplified overview of the system that professional home inspectors use when they are inspecting a home. 

Exterior

·      Are there proper water drainage, grating and landscaping? Is there any rotten wood? The certified home inspector examines the condition of the outside of the house including paint, siding and trim.

Structure

·      Are there any cracks on the foundation of the house? The certified home inspector will look for signs of movement and if any, will refer the case to a structural engineer.

Heating and Air Conditioning

·      Are the heating and air conditioning systems working adequately? When the tests are done on a seasonal basis, they are more accurate.

Roofing

·      Are there any broken, missing or cracked shingles? Are there any signs of moss or rot? Are there mineral deposits collecting in the down spouts? Are the penetrations well sealed? The certified home inspector will look at the roof, thoroughly examining it.

Ventilation and Insulation

·      Do the unfinished spaces have enough insulation? What is the condition of the vapor retarders? The certified home inspector will check the ventilation of attics and foundation areas and test mechanical ventilation systems.

Electrical

·      Is there any evidence of fire, wrong-size circuit breakers or melted wiring? The certified home inspector looks inside the electrical panel, at the gauge of the wiring, and the condition of the box, following with a test of every outlet in the house.

Plumbing

·      Are there any leaks? Is the sump pump in working order? The certified home inspector will look under the sinks and the main water valve into the house. He will run every tap, and check every pipe.

Interior

·      Are the railings safely attached? Are the smoke detectors working properly? What is the condition of the windows, doors, tiling, and flooring? The certified home inspector will not register anything cosmetic. However, he will recommend radon testing, since radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Appliances

·      Are the water heater, microwave, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, washer and drier in working order? The certified home inspector documents the brand names and year of all appliances to prevent a dishonest seller from switching them with broken equipment or older models. 

*Be advised that a professional, licensed home inspector should insist that the owner attends the home inspection if at all possible.

These tips are only guidelines of the structural and mechanical components involved in the inspection of a property and are do not constitute a detailed thorough inspection or report on the condition of your home. 

For more answers, please contact us @ steve@cdscontractors.com

Comments (0)     

When the time comes to call a contractor, consider asking the following questions:

1. Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau and what grade did your company receive?

2. How much money do you request as a down payment?

3. Do you accept check or credit card payments?

4. Are you able to provide licenses and registrations? The DBPR provides free access to information regarding active State licensed contractors.

5. May I have references from some of your previous customers?

6. Do you have proof of personal liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage? 

7. How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?

8. Are subcontractors involved on this project? If the answer is yes, meet them and request proof of insurance and licenses.

9. Are you able to provide a written guarantee?

10.How long have you been in business?

"Asking a reputable contractor the right type of questions will let you know if you can trust him. An honest contractor will never resent you for asking." 

Comments (1)     

Orlando, FL  (March 30, 2011)

Comments (0)