Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Before signing on the dotted line, it’s essential to thoroughly inspect the property inside and out. Certified Home Inspection in Houston Tx help buyers identify issues that could cost thousands down the road.
Knowing which home inspections to get can give you peace of mind—or alert you to serious problems. Read on for a guide to the most crucial home inspections and what to look out for.
Why Home Inspections Are Non-Negotiable
In the excitement of finding your dream home, it’s tempting to skip inspections and move forward quickly. But inspections serve an invaluable purpose for buyers. Here are three key reasons you shouldn’t neglect them:
1. Avoid Hidden Costs
Without an inspection, you won’t know about existing or potential defects. Roof leaks, mold issues, cracked foundations, and faulty electrical can cost a fortune to repair if undetected. Thorough inspections help flag these problems upfront so you know the true cost of homeownership.
2. Negotiate with Confidence
If an inspection uncovers significant defects, you can use these findings to negotiate with the seller. Most sellers are willing to cover repairs or offer closing credits. But without documentation from a professional inspection, you have no leverage.
3. Make Informed Decisions
Inspections give you the full picture so you can make a wise buying decision. You might realize a beautiful home has too many flaws and ongoing costs. Or confirm it’s a sound investment. Either way, you’ll have peace of mind.
Bottom line? Home inspections provide information you can’t obtain on your own. Don’t skip them.
5 Home Inspections You Can’t Afford to Skip
While you can opt for additional inspections, there are five that no buyer should do without:
1. General Home Inspection
This is the big one. A general inspection examines the overall condition of the home and identifies any urgent or long-term issues.
A thorough inspector will check:
- Interior systems: Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, appliances, walls, floors, windows, doors, ceilings, fireplace, insulation
- Exterior: Roof, gutters, siding, windows, doors, drainage, outdoor structures
- Foundation and framing: Basement, crawlspace, slab, structural damage
- Potential safety hazards: Mold, lead paint, asbestos, radon, smoke alarms
The general inspection report will reveal the scope of any problems and estimated costs to fix them. Use this information to negotiate repairs or closing credits.
2. Roof Inspection
As the most vulnerable part of your home, the roof demands special attention. A roof in disrepair can lead to systemic damage and astronomical repair bills.
During a roof inspection, a professional will:
- Examine materials, age, structure
- Look for sagging, cracks, leaks, moisture
- Test ventilation, flashings, drainage
- Determine remaining life expectancy
- Estimate repair or full replacement costs
Knowing the roof’s condition in advance prevents shock down the road. If it’s near the end of its lifespan, use that fact in price negotiations.
3. Termite Inspection
In some regions, termites are a chronic problem. But even in lower-risk areas, termites can still invade the home’s wood structures and destroy them from the inside out if left unchecked.
Termite inspectors will:
- Check all foundations, framing, and wood elements
- Look for mud tubes or other signs of infestation
- Assess conduciveness to termites, like moisture issues
- Note any damage present
If termites are detected, act quickly to eliminate them and repair damage before they spread.
4. Sewer Scope Inspection
Out of sight and out of mind, the sewer line is often overlooked—until it breaks. Sewer line failure is a nightmare; repairs can exceed $10,000.
A sewer scope inspection is performed by running a specialized camera “snake” through the underground sewer line to check:
- Condition of pipes
- Obstructions like roots or buildup
- Presence of cracks or leaks
- Signs of groundwater infiltration
This allows identification and repair of vulnerabilities before they become emergencies.
5. Radon Testing
Radon is an invisible, radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil. Long-term radon exposure is linked to lung cancer.
The only way to know radon levels in a home is through testing. Inspectors will:
- Place test kits (or testing equipment) in strategic spots
- Send kits to a lab for analysis
- Report radon concentration in your home
Thankfully, radon is treatable through improved ventilation and mitigation systems. Get the full radon picture before buying.
When to Schedule Inspections
Timing is important when it comes to home inspections. Here are optimal time frames:
- After the home is under contract: This ensures you’re only spending money to inspect serious contenders.
- Before earnest and due diligence deadlines: Perform inspections with enough time to review findings and negotiate repairs.
- In the same timeframe: Schedule all inspections close together so all results are in before negotiation.
- On a dry day: Wet weather can mask drainage issues, leaks, etc.
Of course, ideally the seller will have repaired any identified defects before listing the home. But it’s still wise to get independent inspections rather than relying on their disclosure and repairs alone.
Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector
To get the most out of the process, engage your inspector with good questions:
- How long have you been in the home inspection business? Look for 5+ years of experience.
- Do you carry certifications? Licensure and training is a must.
- What does your inspection cover? Ensure the major systems are included.
- How long will the inspection take? It should last at least 2 to 3 hours.
- Can I follow you during the inspection? Joining them offers valuable learning.
- How soon will I get the report? It should come within 24 hours of inspection.
- What style of report do you provide? Look for an easy to understand report with photos.
- Do you recommend any additional inspections? Take their advice on areas needing extra scrutiny.
Thorough home inspectors want you to understand the property conditions and make an informed purchase. Engage them fully during and after the inspection.
Don’t Neglect Due Diligence
Inspections form the backbone of your real estate due diligence process. But don’t stop there. Here are a few other crucial steps:
- Check permits: Ensure all updates to the home were legally done by licensed contractors.
- Verify HOA rules: Make sure you can live with any homeowner association requirements.
- Get documentation: Request copies of all inspection reports done for the seller.
- Compare similar homes: See how the price stacks up against neighborhood comps with similar stats and condition.
- Consider local factors: Research things like school ratings, future development, noise, traffic, etc. in the immediate area.
- Read all disclosures: Sellers must declare any known defects; read these closely.
Buying a home is a complex affair. While inspections provide critical data, surround the hard facts with your own research to make the smartest decision.
Trust the Home Inspection Experts
When it’s time to get down to home inspection business, turn to the experts at Certified Houston Inspection Services. Their Houston home inspectors have 50+ years of combined experience assessing home conditions and advising buyers like you.
Certified Houston Inspection Services offers:
- Fast, thorough general home inspections you can trust
- Roof inspections using the latest drone technology
- Mold testing and radon testing
- Thermal imaging to identify hidden moisture issues
- Reports with repair cost estimates to inform negotiations
- And more!
Know you’re getting an accurate, unbiased assessment before you close. Contact Certified Houston Inspection Services today to schedule your home buyers inspection.
Buying a home is not a step to take lightly. Protect your investment and safeguard your family with a professional home inspection. Use this guide to get the most essential inspections before purchasing your new abode.
