What’s Included in a Home Inspection? Find Out Here

There are many factors to consider when buying a home. A home inspection is one of the most crucial, but often overlooked steps. What exactly is a home inspection in Pearland?

This article will explain what the process includes and why it is so important. Read on to learn more!

Home inspections are a general overview on the systems and structure of the home. The inspector will examine many parts of the house, but there are some main points. The following are the visual inspections:

These are the most common areas that have issues. Check out our Tips for Selling Your Home and Avoiding Hidden Problems if you are preparing for an inspection.

It is important to maintain the roof as it is your first line of defence against rain and storms. The inspector will either access the roof directly or remotely to check for leaks and structural issues. For structural roof problems, look for soft, sagging or rotten areas in the wood used to make up the structure. If not repaired and replaced, these weak spots could lead to roof collapse. These weak spots are usually caused by water that hasn't been properly drained.

This is due to improper drainage/sloping on the roof, and clogged down gutters. Different climates call for different slopes, because water drains more easily than snow. For houses with a lot of snow, steeper slopes are recommended. The weight of the snow will cause roof damage if the snow is not moved and moisture can seep into the structure. In warmer climates there is less gradation required but gutters will be used more. Roof inspections will ensure that drainage systems on flat roofs are working properly.

Gutters are designed to direct water from your roof towards a designated point, rather than allowing it to drip continuously on the entire house. However, gutters can be clogged with leaves, sticks and other debris, causing a blockage. This water will then sit in the gutter. This water can corrode the gutter pipes, or even go deep beneath the roof coating. It will cause water damage in the interior.

Roof inspections also look at the condition of the roof material, checking for any problems such as crumbling, cracked, or curled roof shingles or damaged tiles, if they are being used. The inspectors will check for mold or rot, which may occur when the shingles break. This can be a much bigger problem than simply replacing a few.

The foundation problems of your home are often costly and dangerous, which is why they can be a deal-breaker for homebuyers. Inspectors check to make sure that the slope of the foundation has been built properly to divert water away from the home. In areas prone to flooding or where hurricanes are frequent, improper grading can cause serious problems.

Basements and crawl spaces may flood more frequently if the slope of a foundation causes water to move or stagnate toward the house. This water may cause concrete corrosion, soil erosion or soil expansion. When the soil around the foundation absorbs sufficient water, it expands. This pressure can lead to stress cracks on the foundation. This overabundance can also cause erosion of the soil, like a mudslide. The foundation can crack, move, or even sink. Concrete is porous, and can absorb runoff. This could cause cracks to form in the concrete foundation, especially if the water freezes.

Home inspectors are generalists who can give a broad overview of the problems in a home. They do not have any specialization. A plumber may still be needed to fix a specific problem that the inspector found after an inspection. Home inspectors will make sure that water flows in all water systems in the home, and also check drainage and pressure. The inspector will likely find symptoms rather than the actual cause of a problem, but can give advice and alert you to the need for a specialist. The inspector will also look for corrosion or cracks on the pipes that are accessible, since the moisture in the air can cause mold to grow.

Electrical systems that are not up-to-date can cause fires in your home. The inspector will check the electrical panel for corroded wiring and ensure that the amperage rating is correct. The inspector may also check the connections of appliances and switches. The GFI (ground-fault interrupter) is also checked when an outlet is located near a source of water, such as in a bathroom. These devices help to prevent electrocution, and if they are not maintained properly, can lead to frequent power loss in localized electrical components.

The HVAC system in your home is responsible for heating, cooling and ventilation. The inspector will check to see if the system needs basic maintenance, such as a new filter or if professional help is needed. If your inspector discovers any type of leak, you will need to contact a professional. Gas line leaks are dangerous and can cause damage to the heat exchanger. The refrigerant that leaks from the cooling system can be dangerous. Red flags include cracked air ducts which send air to Africa or walls rather than rooms, or even simply age. HVAC systems can last 10-20 years. However, they should be maintained by a licensed technician once a year to avoid any problems and extend their lifespan.

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