What do inspectors check for in a home

A strong roof is necessary to protect a home from weather elements, so a damaged roof could seriously affect the sale price of your house.

A deteriorating roof could lead to more extensive issues like leaks in the ceiling or pest infestation, and buyers will consider this when negotiating the price of a home. Speak to your real estate agent about what you should do if your roof is damaged. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to slightly lower the price of your house as opposed to repairing the issues.

In , fire departments in the U. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment in the home remains the 4th leading cause of home fires , according to the National Fire Prevention Association. So, because of the elevated risk of injury and property damage, home inspectors make absolutely sure that both you and the buyer are aware of any electrical issues in the house. If a home inspector notices an electrical issue in the house, ask your real estate agent to recommend an electrician to come out and take a look at the problem.

A licensed electrician can determine if electrical issues are simple fixes or need to be replaced entirely. Some of these electrical issues may cost more than others, however, you need to take them seriously as they could pose a threat of fire or electrocution. It can be hard to notice major plumbing issues until an inspector comes in. A leaking faucet alone could significantly run up water bills. If there are leaky pipes, clogging, or overflowing in your house, a home inspector will suspect a larger, more serious issue.

A buyer will want these things investigated, and rightfully so. Need a good plumber to take a look at your house before the inspection?

We recommend checking out a few of these places to find a plumber for free:. Carpenter ants, certain types of beetles, and termites are amongst the common wood-destroying insects that severely damage a home. Ants are the number one nuisance pest in the country, with carpenter ants ranking as one of the most problematic.

Termites damage approximately , homes in the U. Rodents, on the other hand, invade 21 million U. If you see a rodent in your house, you could have a big problem on your hands. Mice are capable of producing up to 12 babies every three weeks. They carry salmonella and disease-causing parasites like fleas, ticks, and lice and can gnaw on wood and wires, increasing the risk of electrical fires. If an inspector finds hazardous organisms before serious damage occurs, sellers will have to exterminate them.

This typically costs a few hundred dollars but depends on the situation. But, there is a backup option. Investors that are willing to pay cash for homes typically buy the home as-is and many times sight unseen.

It may mean taking a price hit, but it could allow your home to sell in the stickiest of situations. Proper ventilation, sufficient insulation, no signs of leaking or water damage. Solid foundation, walls and floors; no signs of water damage; sufficient insulation.

Working exhaust fan; adequate flow and pressure of fixtures; functioning toilet, sink, bathtub and shower. Up-to-code circuit breakers and grounding, working exhaust fans and light fixtures, functional outlets; working smoke detectors. No damage to siding, no loose or damaged stucco, no peeling paint. Solid foundation; functional garage opener; up-to-code electrical system and outlets; no damage to ceiling, framing, walls or floors.

No furnace or air-conditioning malfunctions, working water heater, no damage to chimney or fireplace. Functional appliances stove, dishwasher, fridge, microwave, washer and dryer , sufficient insulation. No damaged or leaking pipes; proper hot water temperature; functional sinks, toilets, showers and bathtubs. No damaged or loose shingles, no chimney damage, functional gutters, clear vents. No roof leaks, no cracks in ceilings or walls, secure foundation.

No damage, proper alignment, drip caps installed, use of storm windows or thermal glass, caulked frame joints. Shortly after review, the home inspector provides a report listing defects that need repair. Read it carefully and ask about anything you don't understand. Significant problems, such as unstable foundations or roofs, need labour and expense. You may want to include a clause in your agreement of purchase and sale making the purchase conditional on a successful home inspection.

This could help you avoid repair costs. If the home fails inspection, consider changing the agreement to cover necessary repairs. If the seller completes the repairs, you buy the house. Or, consider renegotiating the purchase price to cover repair costs. In any situation, discuss the options with your real estate agent. If you want a walkthrough of the property before closing, include that in the purchase agreement. If the walkthrough uncovers any issues that weren't caught in the home inspection, you can flag them to the seller's attention, either through the realtors or the lawyers.

Depending on the issues, you might ask the seller to fix them, or reduce the purchase price. If the defects are serious enough, you may be able to cancel the agreement to purchase the property. Along with your real estate agent, bring these items to your final walk-through:.

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This includes personalizing CIBC content on our mobile apps, our website and third-party sites and apps. To learn more about how we do this, go to Manage my advertising preferences. The standard home inspector's report will cover the condition of the home's heating system; central air conditioning system temperature permitting ; interior plumbing system; electrical system; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; and the foundation, basement and structural components.

It is important to note that there may be some exceptions. If certain areas are inaccessible locked door, tenant's belongings in the way or unsafe conditions severely steep roofs, poor structural integrity the inspector will explain the situation and note that they were not able to assess that specific area or system. Buying a home could be the largest single investment the homebuyer will ever make.

To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, homebuyers should strive to learn as much as they can about the house before they buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. Through the home inspection process, homebuyers will have a better understanding about their prospective house, which will allow them to make decisions with confidence.

If a homeowner is planning to sell their home, a home inspection can give them the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition. It is not required for the homebuyer to be present for the inspection. However, ASHI recommends attending so the homebuyer can receive the most value from their inspection.

This allows homebuyers to observe the inspector and ask questions throughout the process.