When you inherit a house, you probably don't have a good idea of its condition. Before you decide if you want to move into the house or sell it, you should have a home inspection done. This gives you a general idea of the value of the home and the type of repairs that are needed. Here are some of the things a home inspection shows.

Condition Of The Foundation

A home inspection takes a few hours and the inspector examines many things in the home. Some findings are minor and not a cause of concern, but something like foundation damage is important for you to know. Foundation damage can often be detected by looking for uneven flooring, checking how well windows and doors open and close, and checking for cracks in the foundation.

Termite Damage

The inspector may check the home in random places for damage to walls that indicate termite activity. Termite damage is often invisible since it happens inside the wall. If the wall feels soft, it might be because termites have chewed up the inside. Another way to tell if termites are active is to check for mud tunnels on the outside of the house and look for bodies and wings inside.

HVAC Functioning

A new HVAC is a major expense so you'll want to know if it's working okay. The inspector may test the thermostat and fan. The outdoor AC condenser will be inspected visually and the refrigerant line might be tested for pressure. The ducts may be checked as well to look for damage and leaks. You'll know if the HVAC is working, and you may even learn the approximate age of it so you know if it's near the end of its life. When the inspector examines your home, you'll want to be there so you can ask questions. This allows you to learn details that might not be included in a general report.

Electrical And Plumbing Damage

Knowing the condition of the plumbing and electrical systems is important because both of these are expensive to replace. The home inspector will check the toilets, faucets, and drains. This gives the inspector an indication if problems are present, but if a more involved inspection of the plumbing system is needed, then you may need to bring in a plumber later. An inspection will also test the outlets, lights, and electrical panel in the house. A home inspection is usually limited to what is visible during a walkthrough of the home, so the inspector won't open walls to look at wiring or open up a septic system.

Condition Of The Roof

The roof is checked from the top of the house and inside the attic for leaks and other problems. This lets you know if the roof is in need of repairs or a replacement. While in the attic, the inspector will look for water damage and the condition of the insulation. While on the roof, the inspector can also note the condition of the gutters to see if water has been draining away from the home properly.

Problems With Doors And Windows

An old home may have old, single-pane windows or window frames that are rotted in places. This could mean the windows will need to be replaced soon if you decide to move into the house. You'll also want to know the condition of the doors and frames so you know if the doors are secure or if they need to be replaced too.

While walking through your home, the inspector will note problems with flooring and walls. Problems, such as bubbles in drywall, could be a sign of water damage. Your entire home will be checked from the roof to the basement or crawlspace so major problems can be identified. Knowing what needs to be replaced or repaired helps you decide if you want to sink money into the house or just sell it as is to a flipper to fix up.

Get in touch with a company like Technihouse Inspections Inc. for more information.

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