Buying a house is arguably the largest purchase that most people will make in their lifetimes which is why it’s important to never skip a home inspection. While most home buyers will obtain an inspection before purchasing, buyers in hypercompetitive markets should at least get one afterwards. A home inspection will help you learn about your home and all its inner workings, such as plumbing systems, electrical, structural, exterior, and cosmetic issues. An inspection may identify issues that need to be fixed quickly, as things like water damage may cost you dearly in the future if not resolved right away.
You Get What You Pay For
A home inspector is not the place to skimp on cost. Consider this an investment in the health of your home and your family—as inspections can uncover dangers in your home that can affect not only your wallet but also your health. A good home inspector will have experience with homes in your area and will take more than a couple hours to put together a thorough, detailed report.
Keep Those Utilities On
A good home inspector will need to test all your plumbing and electrical fixtures, which is why it’s imperative to have the utilities turned on at the time of inspection. Running water is a must in order to check for leaks, water pressure, clogs, and other issues.
Sewer line Scope
If there are indicators of a clog—such as signs of a previous sewer back up, slow draining of sinks or tubs, or low water pressure, you may want to spend the extra money on a comprehensive plumbing inspection. This will usually entail a sewer line scope—literally a small camera that is snaked through your sewer lines to ensure there is no blockage or damage to the line. While most people don’t opt for a separate plumbing inspection, this can be a costly mistake for home buyers who are buying older homes, which may have clay pipes or be surrounded by old growth trees. Any home surrounded by large trees is susceptible to sewer line damage thanks to tree roots creeping in the line. DC sewer repair and replacement can be costly, so it’s much easier on the pocketbook to identify problems before they turn into full-blown disasters.
Mold Isn’t Necessarily A Deal Breaker
If there’s any risk or indication of mold, it’s best to play it on the safe side and get a mold test done on your home. Did you know that every home contains mold? That’s because there are literally thousands of types of mold and not all are harmful for your health. A mold test will identify which types are in your home, whether they are “good” or “bad” mold, and define what acceptable levels are for “bad” mold. If you do have a bad mold, it’s not necessarily time to freak out yet. There are plenty of companies that do mold removal and your sellers may be willing to pay for it or reduce the purchase price in order to close the sale—considering they will have to disclose this to any future buyers anyways. One thing to keep in mind is that mold grows in moist environments, so if you do have mold, be extra vigilant to find out the cause and remedy it—such as from water damage due to a plumbing leak.