An inspection will always detect a problem with a home, even new housing construction. It's not about making all the corrections, but rather identifying any existing issues that may affect the value, safety, or functionality of the property. The inspector will provide a detailed report with their findings, but the inspection itself does not determine the success or failure of the property. In a perfect world, every lawn would have a slope of at least 3% relative to the house, allowing water to flow away from the house and preventing water damage.
Even if the ground were properly leveled, the house could settle down and the ground beneath the foundation could move. When there is no proper drainage, the house could suffer major water damage. It could cause cracks in the settlement, create moisture in the mezzanine, and even cause the foundations to move. If water doesn't drain away from the base, moisture could be absorbed through the base and could also cause mold and rot. Plumbing problems and leaking pipes are common issues that don't pass a home inspection.
Sometimes, these problems can be as simple as a faucet leak or a slow drain, but they can also encompass larger problems, such as cross-connection problems or the need to replace pipes. Plumbing is a big cause for concern because if there's a hidden leak that isn't repaired, it could cause mold to spread throughout the house. To detect leaks, the home inspector will check the entire house for signs of mold or mildew, water damage, and cracks around the pipes. They will also look at the ceiling for water spots or cracks. Usually, when we think of harmful mold in a house, we automatically think of black mold.
What many people may not know is that exposure to any type of mold can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, headaches, skin irritation, and more. Did you know that mold can also cause a termite infestation? When the inspector inspects the house, he will check for exposed wood and ensure that it has not been affected by mold or termites. It's important to note that inspectors will also check if the wood is rotting due to age and moisture. They will check exterior door jambs, windows, roof, and wooden structures such as terraces or stairs. Home inspectors will check a home to make sure the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) system is working properly.
They will ensure that heating and cooling are working properly and that wiring appears safe and can work with the HVAC system. They'll check that gas furnaces have adequate ventilation so there are no gas leaks (the boiler room is also a place where you'll need a smoke and carbon monoxide detector). Inspectors will also check flues and flue pipes to ensure they have been installed correctly and have no cracks. If you're thinking of buying a house built before 1981, it may have been built with materials containing asbestos such as insulation around heaters or vinyl or asphalt floors. If your house was built before 1978, there's a good chance it was painted with lead-based paint. In most states lead-based paint testing isn't included in a home inspection because it's a specialized service but there are some cases where it can be done for an additional cost.
Other problems discovered by a home inspector such as normal wear and tear or minor cosmetic problems may not be solved at all. In fact some contracts even stipulate that aesthetic issues will not be addressed. During the inspection a licensed home inspector will come to the property to detect any problems but there are things that could be beyond their reach or experience. However not all inspectors will do this some will give their opinion which may be right or completely wrong. While they can provide recommendations for professionals to further evaluate home inspectors generally do not provide estimates for repairing or replacing items. It's a good idea to attend the inspection to get first-hand information about problems the inspector may discover. But what do you do if (and when) they discover a problem with the physical structure or component of the house? They'll deliver an electronic report detailing everything they've found but there's still nothing better than being there to hear their findings in person. It was an unfortunate situation that could have been avoided if they had reported their findings and stayed that way or had recommended that a more in-depth investigation be carried out by a licensed roofer.
Problems with roofs are going to be one of the key points that home inspectors analyze because they are an important component of any house. If it can be demonstrated that they were negligent or failed to act with reasonable care when performing their inspection they can be held responsible for any resulting damages. A home inspector may have an extensive knowledge of what they inspect but there are still things beyond their reach.
