Buying your dream house is exciting. However, during the process, there is one important step that you don’t want to miss. A home inspection will identify underlying issues with the house. During the inspection, the home inspector will check all the components and systems and note any problems, defects, or safety concerns that are found. Here are essential things to look for in your home inspection report.
Look for Water Damage in Your Home Inspection Report
Water damage can affect a building’s structural integrity and foundation. Roofing leaks, plumbing problems, and poor drainage around the property can lead to water damage. Excessive moisture creates an environment conducive to the growth of mold and mildew. Moisture and mold growth may affect your health by causing allergy-like symptoms. Check your report for information about water damage and leaks in the home.
Structural Concerns
Evaluation of your home’s structure is one of the most important aspects of a home inspection. It helps to verify the durability of the foundation and structural supports. When evaluating the structural integrity of your home, the home inspector will check for uneven floors, cracks in the walls and/or foundation, doors and windows that don’t close properly, and gaps and cracks in the brickwork and mortar.
Plumbing Issues
Faulty plumbing systems will experience leaks and cause water damage. Problems with the pipes can go unnoticed for an extended period because they are located behind walls and beneath the floors. Your home inspector will examine the plumbing systems and note the type of plumbing and the condition of the pipes and fixtures. The information provided in the inspection report will help you better understand the state of the home’s plumbing.
Learn About the Electrical System With Your Home Inspection Report
An old or faulty electrical system is a fire hazard and rewiring a home is not an inexpensive project. Pay attention to the notes about the electrical components in your home inspection report. The inspector will identify problems and note the overall condition of the electrical system. Some common issues that your inspection may mention are exposed wiring, flickering lights, and aging knob and tube wiring.
When you are buying a home, talk to your real estate agent about discussing any major defects with the seller. Depending on your contract, you can ask the homeowner to make repairs or lower their asking price. Use the information provided in your home inspection report to assist during the negotiation process and to help you make an informed decision about the purchase of the property.
Bronze Star Home Inspections provides inspections for customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. If you’re buying a home, contact us to schedule our services.