When homebuyers have their eye on a specific house, their wish is to ensure that the home they may call their own is as good beneath the surface as it appears to be. Will the roof end up leaking? Is the wiring safe? What about the plumbing? These, and others, are the questions that buyers will seek professional help to answer. Homebuyers typically hire professional home inspectors to identify any problems with the house before closing. As a seller, assessing the condition of your home and making necessary repairs before putting your house on the market can boost your home's value and prevent delays in the closing process. Such repairs often are necessary to make your home appealing to future buyers.
You might ask yourself, what does a home inspector do? During the inspection, properties are examined top to bottom, with emphasis placed on evaluating the roof, basement, home foundation and plumbing system. Inspectors will also check for the operational ability of installed systems, such as carbon monoxide detectors, as well as for leaks, mold and other signs of water damage. We will be going over the main aspects that inspectors look into.
- Defective plumbing
Defective plumbing can manifest itself in two different ways: leaking and clogging. A visual inspection can detect leaking and an inspector will gauge water pressure by turning on all faucets in the bathroom on the top floor and then flushing the toilet. If you hear the sound of running water, it indicates that the pipes are undersized. If the water appears dirty when first turned on at the faucet, this is a good indication that the pipes are rusting, which can result in severe water quality problems.
- Roofing problems
Water leakage through the roof can occur for a variety of reasons, such as physical deterioration of the asphalt shingles, or mechanical damage from a windstorm. When gutters leak, water will run down the exterior walls. This external problem becomes a major internal one.
- Damp or wet basement
Mildew odor is almost impossible to eliminate and an inspector will certainly be conscious of it. It could cost you $200-$1,000 to seal a crack in or around your basement foundation depending on severity and location. Adding a sump pump and pit could run you around $750 - $1,000, and complete waterproofing could amount to $5,000-$15,000. You will have to weigh these figures into the calculation of what price you want to net on your home.
- Adequate security features
More than a purchased security system, an inspector will look for the basic safety features that will protect your home, such as proper locks on windows and patio doors, dead bolts on the doors, smoke and even carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom and on every level. Even though pricing will vary, these components will add to your costs. Check with your local experts before purchasing or installing.
- Structural/foundation problem
An inspector will certainly investigate the underlying footing and foundation of your home, as structural integrity is fundamental to your home. Is the house foundation solid? Are the sides straight? Are the window and door frames square? This part of the inspection is particularly important to a buyer who's considering an older house.
With that being said, do not get nervous about this process. Having an expert Real Estate Agent by your side will smooth out the process for you, as well as guide you and handle any complications that may arise.
Remember, we’re never too busy for your questions. For all your Real Estate needs, feel free to email or text the Traboulsi Team anytime.
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