Do you need a home inspection?
Before buying a home, one of the things that homebuyers should do is to have the home checked out by a professional home inspector. Buying a home is expensive enough as it is – why would anyone choose to pay more if they’re not required to? Below is a list of inspection items we here at Red Chair Realty believe are the most important items to watch out for during a home inspection.
1. Make sure you are ready for the inspection by studying the Seller’s Property Disclosure. It will give you as a homebuyer clues for what to look out for with the property.
2. Very few property owners are aware that they are responsible for the sewer line from their house to the city main pipe. Having a sewer line scope done (not included in the general inspection) can help you see the condition of sewer line, if there is tree root intrusion, low spots (flow), and city tap evaluation. Sewer back-ups can cause thousands of dollars in property damage.
3. Have a Radon test done on the property ASAP. Radon is an odorless, colorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that is inhaled into the lungs, where it can damage the DNA, potentially increasing cancer risk. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. Radon is a natural gas from the earth that can seep through cracks in the walls and floors of your home.
4. Always secure a full physical home inspection to include a full evaluation of the major mechanical systems with a written report of the details that includes photographs. Mechanical systems have life expectancies and it is good to know when they will need repair or replacement.
5. Denver no longer allows composite roofs or shingle overlays. New roofs require a full tear off when replacing. The use of the original shake shingles can be costly and will require full tear off to the rafters with new sub roofing to be installed.
6. Electrical issues are a very important part of the inspection as it is what runs the house and the major mechanical systems within it. Things to watch out for during the inspection: electrical drop to the house, electrical drop to garage, double lugging (two circuits tied to one breaker), and Federal Pacific Panels – Not UL Rated.
7. When the inspector is checking out the home’s heating and cooling systems, make sure to take note as to how the systems work, and keep an eye out for cracked heating exchanger, gas leaks, and improper flue venting.
8. The drainage systems of the home (ie. gutters) are extremely important to pay attention to. Water damage can cause thousands of dollars to repair and can make a property uninsurable. During the inspection, notice if there is standing water or water running next to or near the house so that you can mitigate the risk of water infiltration to the basement. You want water going away from the house.
9. If your new home has a fireplace with a chimney, you could have the potential risk for water leaks at roof penetration, chimney cleaning to negate fire danger, and make sure you have a chimney screen cover and cap that are often missing.
10. Plumbing leaks can contribute to ongoing water damage, mildew and mold. Also, high water pressure can cause ongoing fixture & water leaks.
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