Types of Home Inspections
Structural and Mechanical Inspections
- This is the most common inspection requested by the buyer.
- This inspection determines if the major mechanical and
structural components of your home are performing their intended
functions.
- The inspections should take place as soon as possible in
order to negotiate repairs early in the process.
- A typical inspection will take two or more hours to
complete. It includes roof, basement, plumbing, electrical systems and
overall structural soundness. A detailed report is delivered to their
buyer and their agent. From this report buyer and seller determine which
repairs, if any will be made. The inspection also serves as an educational
process, helping the buyer become familiar with their new home.
Radon
- Radon is a tasteless, odorless gas. It is a proven
carcinogen and ranks second only to cigarette smoking as a cause of lung
cancer.
- If you have a radon problem, it is usually easy and
inexpensive to abate.
- It typically migrates through the ground to the air above
and into your home through the following: cracks in concrete, suspended
floors, gaps around pipes, cavities inside walls, or the water supply if
you have a well.
- Nearly one out of fifteen homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Although radon is more common in some
areas, any home may be at risk.
- The only way to know for sure is to test. A monitoring
device is put in place. There are a number of radon sampling devices that
you can buy, or you can have a professional company conduct tests. It is
important during the test period to keep all windows and doors closed
except for normal exit and entry.
- If the test reveals a radon level of 4 pico curies per
liter or more (EPA standard) a second test will usually be conducted. If
the level remains elevated, it will be necessary to take corrective
measures. The type of remediation will depend on the design of the home
and the cause of the problem.
Wood Destroying Pests
- It is frequently referred to as a termite inspection. The inspection
is usually required by the lender and strongly recommended if not
required.
- This inspection also identifies the presence of certain
types of beetles, carpenter ants and wood rot. All of these left unchecked
can cause extensive structural damage.
- If an active infestation is discovered you will be
responsible for having it treated.
- If any damage is discovered from either a past or current
active infestation, the lender will most likely require further
investigation by a licensed contractor or structural engineer. This is to
determine if the damage has compromised the structural integrity of the
house. This cost is usually borne by the seller.
Asbestos
- Many older homes have asbestos insulation in the walls and
ceilings, wrapped around hot water pipes or in exterior shingles.
- If you suspect there may be asbestos in your home, you
should have a professional inspection. Generally, asbestos is considered a
health hazard when the material is friable, that is, when it crumbles,
releasing tiny fibers into the air.
- Removal of asbestos can be an expensive process and must
be conducted by trained and certified professionals. But the presence of
asbestos may not be a health hazard, and in some cases, an asbestos hazard
can be isolated without removal.
Well Water and Septic Systems
- It is recommended that a seller has their septic system
pumped every three years and before the septic inspections are done.
- Various tests will be done to check the quality of well
water. The standard tests are: Coliform, PH, Iron, manganese, Harness and
Nitrates.
- When the test results exceed the Board of Health
standards, the seller will be required to correct the problem.
Lead-Based Paint
- Approximately three-quarters of the housing in the U.S. built before 1978 (about 64 million dwellings) contain lead-based paint. When properly
maintained and managed, this paint possesses little risk.
- Affects Brain – Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage
to the brain and create reduced intelligence and behavioral problems. Lead
also can damage other organs and can cause abnormal fetal development in
pregnant woman. People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or
swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips with lead in them.
- Often found in pre-1978 housing – The Residential Lead-Based
Paint Hazard Reduction ACT of 1992 directs the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to
ensure people receive information needed to protect themselves from
lead-based paint hazards.
- Requirement – Most home buyers and renters must receive
information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards when they buy
or rent housing built before 1978. Some housing, such as efficiency
apartments dormitories, vacation rentals, adult housing and foreclosure
sales are not covered. Under the rule, sellers, landlords, and their
agents, will not be responsible for providing information to buyers or
renters before a sale or lease. Homebuyers will have 10 days to conduct a
lead-based paint inspection or risk assessment at their own expense. The
rule gives the two parties flexibility to negotiate key terms of the
evaluation. The new rule does not require any testing or removal of
lead-based paint by sellers or landlords and does not invalidate leasing
and sales contracts.