Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone that comes with new responsibilities. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you're likely to make, and ensuring it’s properly cared for can save you from unexpected, inconvenient, and costly repairs. Careful home inspection can enable you to catch potential problems before they become major issues and keep your home safe and comfortable for years to come.
A professional home inspection is an essential tool for homebuyers, giving them expert insight into the condition of the home before they buy. Consider accompanying your inspector as they assess the condition of the home, so they can point out key areas and explain any potential issues they encounter. Below are some of essential items your home inspector should investigate.
One of the most important aspects of a home inspection is a roof assessment. The roof is a home’s primary defense against the elements. Even if it appears to be in good shape, however, many insurance providers are now requiring homeowners to replace roofs that are just 8–10 years old. If your inspector verifies that the roof is problem free with a long life expectancy and your insurer nevertheless insists on a replacement before they will issue a policy, shop around. You may find an insurer who will work with you without shelling out thousands of dollars to replace a perfectly good roof.
If the roof is nearing the end of its expected life, however, replacing it before damage occurs will help prevent leaks, mold, and other types of water damage. It’s also important to ask about previous repairs and the type of materials used, as these factors affect the roof’s longevity. Ensuring the roof remains in good repair will also help minimize the chances of claim denials in the event that it suffers damage from storms or other unforeseen events.
A home’s foundation is critical to its stability and longevity. Particularly if you notice cracks in walls, uneven floors, doors that won’t close properly, or gaps around windows, it’s important to get a professional foundation inspection. If not addressed in a timely manner, issues like shifting soil, improper water drainage, or settling can eventually necessitate costly repairs. Becoming aware of potential issues early and having them fixed promptly could save you thousands in repair costs down the road.
Plumbing issues like leaky pipes, low water pressure, and slow drains are common, but failing to address them can invite water damage and fuel mold growth. A home inspector should check the basic functioning of your plumbing system by testing water fixtures and appliances like faucets, toilets, washing machines, and water heaters as well as inspecting visible pipes (including natural gas pipes) for signs of leakage and other issues. If drains are slow, they will investigate the cause, which could be related to tree roots infiltrating the plumbing or a blocked vent on the roof. Uncovering these issues before they cause real problems can save you a great deal of money, stress, and mess.
A faulty electrical system is a serious fire hazard. A proper home inspection includes a visual inspection of the home’s electrical panel, outlets, and wiring. While this is not as thorough as a focused electrical inspection, a home inspector will look for visible signs of damage or improper installation. If you notice warning signs like flickering lights, a burnt smell around outlets, or if you’re breakers are tripped frequently, hire an electrician to conduct a more thorough inspection of the electrical system.
Your heating and cooling system is essential to your home’s comfort and efficiency. A home inspector should check the system’s maintenance record, test the thermostat, check for leaks in the system and ductwork, and ensure condensation is draining properly. If your inspector discovers issues or if your system is more than 10 years old, consider having an HVAC specialist inspect it to determine the best next steps to take.
Proper insulation and ventilation help maintain proper temperature and moisture levels in the home. Homes that are poorly insulated use more energy for heating and cooling. If ventilation is inadequate, indoor air can become too humid and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Your home inspector should assess your home’s insulation and ventilation and, if appropriate, recommend improvements. Upgrading insulation or adding attic ventilation can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Left unchecked, pests like termites, carpenter ants, and rodents can cause extensive damage. Your inspector should be on the lookout for warning signs like mud tubes along the home’s foundation, soft or hollow wood, and rodent droppings. If your inspector finds signs of an infestation, work with a trusted pest control professional to prevent further damage to the home.
It’s important to get a professional home inspection before buying, but it’s equally important to keep up with your home’s maintenance needs throughout its lifespan. Below are several aspects of your home that you should be aware of on an ongoing basis.
Drafts or cracks around windows and doors or foggy panes of glass are signs that your windows and doors need attention. They may need to be repaired, replaced, or recaulked, or you may need to add weatherstripping. Keeping up on these tasks will help keep your energy bills low and reduce strain on your heating and cooling system.
Be sure to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly to ensure they are working properly. Install new batteries at least once a year, and if a detector is over 10 years old, consider replacing it.
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious health issues. Testing for radon is especially important in areas like Iowa where it is prevalent. The EPA recommends professional radon testing when buying or selling a home, and you can purchase DIY kits for additional tests, which should be repeated every 2–5 years. If levels are high, mitigation systems can be installed to improve air quality.
Clogged or damaged gutters can allow water to pool near your home’s foundation, which can lead to cracks and structural problems. Keep your gutters clear of leaves and other debris, and check the perimeter of your home after heavy rains to ensure downspouts are directing water away from the home.
Regularly check ceilings, walls, and floors for stains, mold growth, soft spots, and other signs of water damage. Also be attentive to signs of condensation or musty smells. Early detection of water infiltration is critical to prevent extensive damage and avoid the need for costly repairs.
Paint is a protective barrier against the elements. Peeling or chipping paint on exterior walls can expose siding to moisture, leaving it vulnerable to deterioration. Cracked, peeling, or bubbled interior paint can be a sign of moisture infiltration. Repaint your home as needed to keep it protected, and promptly address any signs of damage.
Overgrown trees and bushes can damage your home’s siding and roof, and excess moisture and root intrusion can affect its foundation. Keep trees and bushes trimmed back and away from your home. Avoid planting too near the home, and remove any dead or diseased plants that could pose a risk during storms.
Regularly check your garage door to ensure proper and safe functioning. Test the auto-reverse mechanism by placing an object (such as a brick) in the door’s path. It’s also important to ensure items in the garage, such as chemicals, tools, and flammable materials, are stored safely.
Many homeowners neglect their sewer and septic systems until a major issue arises. However, professionals recommend regular inspection of sewer lines and septic systems. Recommendations vary from annually to every 5 years. Periodic inspections can identify issues before they lead to messy, expensive problems.
A poorly maintained chimney is a fire hazard and can generate carbon monoxide buildup. Annual inspections and cleaning help prevent these dangerous issues.
A home warranty can be a valuable tool for keeping your home in good repair. It helps you avoid large, unexpected expenses by covering repair or replacement of many of your home’s vital components, such as HVAC equipment, plumbing and electrical systems, and major appliances. This is separate from a homeowners insurance policy. Be sure you understand what your warranty and insurance cover as well as what they don’t. Warranties and insurance policies often explicitly exclude certain items and types of damage, which could leave you on the hook for expensive repairs. By reviewing your coverage, you can identify gaps and find the best coverage for your home and budget.
As a homeowner, you have many choices for upgrading your home’s efficiency so you can enjoy lower energy bills over the long term and lighten your environmental footprint. Adding insulation, installing storm doors or energy-efficient windows, or upgrading your HVAC system can significantly reduce your energy costs, enhance your family’s comfort, and increase your home’s value.
A homeowner’s work is never done. While owning a home involves a host of new responsibilities, being proactive about these will help keep your home safe and comfortable and reduce the need for expensive repairs. For more pro tips for homeowners, subscribe to the Hedrick Construction blog!