Home inspectors must comply with a state’s regulations and have the knowledge and skills required to work in their profession. Home Inspector Colorado Springs Co often uses cool tools, too!
Whether buying or selling, having a home inspection done can save you time and money. It can also help you make a more informed decision about your purchase or sale.
Home inspections give new home buyers visibility into potential issues with a property. This allows them to make an informed buying decision and avoid expensive surprises. Home inspectors are specially trained to evaluate the condition of a house, from its foundation to the roof. They also look for safety concerns and any problems that must be addressed immediately.
A home inspector will usually complete a comprehensive report that details everything they examined. They will include photos of the property, a description of the problem, and any recommendations for addressing it. They will often have a checklist of items that need to be checked and will either list the recommendations individually or compile them at the end of the report.
Other items that a home inspector might examine include appliances, such as an oven or refrigerator. They will check to see if they are working properly and will take note of any signs that they’re not, such as discoloration or corrosion. They will also check the plumbing, including the water heater and all plumbing fixtures, for any leaks or cracks.
If a home inspector finds any significant issues with a prospective home, they typically recommend that the buyer reconsider their offer or ask the seller to make the necessary repairs. Sometimes, the buyer may even walk away from the sale if the problems are too serious.
The roof protects a home from the elements, adding value and curb appeal. But it can also be a source of leaks, structural problems, and pest infestation. A professional roof inspection can help identify and diagnose issues before they become serious problems.
A licensed home inspector has to meet several requirements to become eligible to do residential inspections. These include passing the NYS Home Inspector Examination and completing 24 hours of continuing education. Architects, engineers, and code enforcement officials who inspect buildings as part of their jobs are exempt from these requirements.
When conducting a roof inspection, the inspector will walk around the roof and take pictures from different angles to document its condition. They will look for cracked, curling, or missing shingles, algae and moss buildup, and structural damage such as sagging and rot. They will also check the attic for signs of water intrusion and mold. The inspector will examine the ridge, soffit, and gable vents to ensure airflow.
The cost of a home inspection typically depends on the size and type of house. Home Advisor estimates that it costs an average of $315 for a home inspection, with more expensive homes costing more. Additional services like testing for radon, asbestos, lead, and plumbing can add to the price. However, these extra tests can be useful in determining the overall health of the home and are a good idea to conduct.
Electrical wiring issues are a leading cause of house fires, especially in older homes. Whether you’re selling your home or need a checkup, an inspection will help you determine how safe and sound your system is.
An electrical inspection includes:
- Looking at the wiring for your house.
- Checking outlets and switches for safety.
- Assessing your breaker box and all the wiring in it.
Inspectors look for things like whether your wiring is up to code (in terms of wire gauge and location in the attic or crawl space) and if it’s properly sized for your home’s electrical demands.
For example, if you have old aluminum wires, which overheat more easily than copper, they should be replaced. In addition, your inspector will check that you have GFCI outlets where required, such as in garages and grade-level portions of unfinished buildings or near sinks. They also ensure that most circuits have AFCI breakers where needed, such as in kitchen small appliance outlets and wet bar sinks.
Finally, they’ll look for signs of overheating, which could indicate that your circuits are overloaded. They’ll also check the breaker box for proper labeling, amps, and signs of wear and tear. Inspectors also look at light fixtures to see if they’re close enough to doorways and at both ends of hallways, as well as check for proper bulb wattage and sufficient fixture sizes.
Plumbing problems are among the most expensive home maintenance concerns homeowners face, especially in winter. Inspecting for plumbing issues can help prevent them from becoming major catastrophes, such as a broken water heater or clogged drain lines that require professional repair.
During a plumbing inspection, the inspector will check all the water supply fixtures on each house level. They will also check outside spigots for the garden and yard to ensure no leaks or damaged pipes.
The home inspector will look in the crawl spaces, under the sinks, behind toilets, and under the cabinets to make sure everything is in good working condition. In the basement or utility area, they will check the water heater and the hot water tank. The inspector will also examine the septic system if applicable.
A plumbing inspection typically takes two hours, but the actual time could be longer. If the home is a newer build, the plumbing may be in good shape, and there will be less to inspect. In older homes, the plumbing is more likely to have issues.
Homeowners should choose a reputable home inspector with references from friends and family. In addition, they should verify the inspector is licensed and insured. Some states require a license to perform home inspections, while others do not. Some inspectors are members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). This membership provides some reassurance that they have met certain standards of practice and competence.
A home inspector’s bathroom inspection is a crucial component of a property inspection because these wet areas are prone to costly damage over time. This is because water can easily seep into a plank of wood and drywall and cause irreparable damage to a home’s structure. In addition, a leaky bathroom can also lead to mildew and mold, which can be damaging to health.
A qualified home inspector will check various issues related to the bathrooms, including drainage and water pressure. For instance, they’ll look for signs of water damage and dampness under sinks and around the toilet. They’ll also inspect the caulking around showers, tubs, and sinks. If they notice any signs of leaks or water damage, this will be noted in their report.
In addition, a home inspector will ensure that the outlets in the bathroom have GFCIs installed. They’ll also check that the drains are unobstructed and that the bathroom’s exhaust fan is venting moisture outside the home. They’ll also check that there is an operable window in the bathroom to allow moisture to escape if it becomes too much.
Finally, a home inspector will also test the functionality of the bathroom fixtures, including flushing toilets and running the faucets and shower. They’ll also run a water pressure test on the taps to see how well they perform. They’ll also check that the bathroom’s waterproofing materials are in good condition, especially if they’re older.
The goal of kitchen inspections is to ensure that food is safe for consumption by confirming that the establishment complies with all applicable hygiene and sanitation laws. These inspections typically cover various aspects of the kitchen, including food storage, cooking, preparation, and serving practices, as well as the cleanliness of food handling areas and the premises. Other factors influencing a kitchen’s compliance include whether or not staff follow proper handwashing procedures and how clean equipment is maintained. Inspectors may also evaluate if food labels are accurate and if pest control measures are taken to prevent infestation.
The most common issue that can impact a kitchen’s compliance is whether or not the foods being prepared have been kept at the correct temperature. This is usually determined using a thermometer to measure food temperature in the storage, cooking, and serving processes. Inspectors are often particular when evaluating practices that can lead to cross-contamination, such as using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables.
It’s important to remember that cottage food operations are usually held to less rigorous standards than commercial kitchens, so most home kitchen inspections are relatively quick and painless. However, it’s still important to familiarize yourself with the requirements for your state or city in advance to prepare your kitchen. For example, a lot of states require that utensils and dishes used for commercial purposes are kept separate from those being used for personal use and that you have proper sanitizing methods in place.