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I have created this page to help you, as the buyer, understand some of the most common types of inspections. Inspections may be required or advised by your real estate professionals and you should know which ones would be the best for the property you are considering purchasing. Inspections are designed to help all parties better understand the overall condition of a property, inside and out. They can potentially save you hundreds, or even thousands of dollars! So read on, and if you have any questions on any of these inspections, feel free to call or e-mail me so we can discuss them.
Standard Home Inspection - The standard home inspection will most likely cover things such as the lot and grounds, the roof and all exterior surfaces, the garage or carport, the overall structure of the home, attic, basement or crawl space, all of the electrical, the heating and cooling systems, the plumbing, the fireplace or wood burning devices, and the condition of the appliances. Your inspection rights are clearly stated in the Contract For Sale and will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Remember, even though an inspection may still take place, some homes can be "sold as-is". So be sure you understand everything in your Contract For Sale.
Radon Inspection - This inspection detects and measures the radon levels present in the home. It is estimated that between 15,000 - 22,000 deaths per year result from radon exposure. Therefore the Environmental Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes be tested for radon. They recommend that any homes containing 4.0 or more Pico Curies per liter be remedied.
Termite Inspection - A termite inspection looks for the presence of wood destroying insects (WDI) or wood destroying organisms (WDO - i.e. fungus). Termite inspection requirements will vary from state to state.
Asbestos Inspection - The asbestos inspection searches for the presence of asbestos fibers. If any are found, a lab analysis will evaluate their condition. Buyers should seek professional assistance if friable or non-friable conditions are found.
Composition Board Siding - Recently, homeowners of composition board siding brought a class action lawsuit against some of the largest supplying companies (Louisiana Pacific (LP), Georgia Pacific (GP), Masonite, and Weyerhaeuser). The homeowners claimed that the siding was susceptible to water damage and early deterioration and rotting. The composition board siding inspection inspects the condition of the siding and any high areas of moisture will be evaluated. Typically, composition board siding is a paper -based product that is made to replicate traditional wood siding at a fraction of the cost!
Lead Paint Inspection - If you are considering purchasing a home that was built before 1978, I highly recommend a lead paint inspection. It evaluates the painted surfaces to determine whether or not the presence of lead exists. Lead can be very harmful to young children and babies. Exposure can cause their bodies to suffer from brain and nervous system damage, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, and headaches.
On-Site Waste System (SeptiChek) Evaluation - SeptiChekTM evaluates the condition of the septic tank and examines the fluid levels inside. The tank is also pumped to check the condition of all its baffles. The leaching field is then probed to check the level of sub-surface liquid waste (effluent). There is also another type of test called the septic dye test. But the SeptiChek evaluation offers more reliable information to the potential buyer and can alert them to a wide variety of potentially costly repair or unsightly failure.
Pool/Hot Tub Inspection - If the home that you are considering purchasing has a pool or hot tub, you should have them inspected. An inspection will check their overall condition and operability and also all of their equipment. Any pool decks will also be inspected for any defects or deterioration.
Private Well Flow and Potability Inspection - - Samples are taken from the well and sent to a lab for potability (drinkability). The inspection also examines the well to make sure it can adequately supply enough water to the house.
Stucco Siding Inspection - I recommend an inspection when considering a home with a stucco exterior. There are two different of stucco siding: cement-based "traditional" stucco and synthetic stucco. Synthetic stucco is commonly referred to as Exterior Insulated Finish System (EIFS). Synthetic stucco is most common in the Southeast, but is present all over the country. In an inspection, moisture readings are taken to determine whether or not water damage has already occurred. It has also been documented that hidden structural damage exists in stucco homes in 34 states.
- In considering a home with stucco exterior, we recommend an inspection be conducted to determine the condition of the siding.
- Synthetic stucco is predominately found in the Southeast but it is present in homes in other areas of the country as well.
- Hidden structural damage has been documented in synthetic stucco homes in 34 states.
- Moisture readings are taken to determine if the system has already experienced water intrusion.
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspection - Underground storage tanks are typically used to hold oil for heating homes. Because USTs are usually make of metal, they can rust and corrode over time allowing hazardous materials to leak into surrounding soil and aquifers that supply drinking water to neighboring communities. There is a test that takes samples of the surrounding soil and submitted to a lab for analysis. This will determine if any hazardous material has leaked form the UST to the soil. Another type of inspection is the vacuum test. The vacuum test consists of having sealing off the tank and placed under a vacuum. Readings are then taken to determine if the tank is losing any suction. The vacuum test provides immediate results for the buyer.
- Since USTs are predominately made of metal they rust and corrode over time, causing hazardous materials to contaminate soil and potentially aquifers that supply drinking water to surrounding communities.
- The majority of UST problems occur in the northeastern states due to the older properties located there.
- Obtaining the proper inspections for a home prior to purchase is one of the best ways to make a smart purchase decision and protect your investment. The above is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all of the types of inspections that may be necessary on a particular home, but it is meant to provide general information on some of the most common types of inspections.
Obtaining the proper inspections for a home prior to purchase is one of the best ways to make a smart purchase decision and protect your investment.
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