Home inspections are a common part of the closing process in any real estate transaction. During a home inspection, a professional inspector will examine and evaluate the property, looking at its safety and condition. It gives buyers a better understanding of what they are purchasing and may alert them to problems or issues that need to be repaired or addressed. However, home inspections aren’t all-encompassing and do not include every detail about a home. These are some of the things that inspectors will not include in their examination.
Pest infestations
You would think home inspectors would be on the lookout for pest infestations, but you’d be wrong. While inspectors may note if there is a serious and obvious infestation of termites or other critters, they will not be looking for them specifically. If you’re really concerned about pests in the home, then you will need to hire an inspector that specializes in termites and other pests.
Pools and spas
Pools and outdoor spas can be huge selling points for many homes. But don’t be surprised when your home inspector fails to examine them. Pool maintenance and repair can get expensive, so if you’re buying a home with a pool it may be beneficial to hire a certified pool builder to examine your pool for issues.
Mold
Mold can be a serious health risk in a home. It is more present in homes that are located in humid climates, but in truth, it can grow anywhere. Mold can cause health problems and aggravate existing conditions like allergies and asthma. But your home inspector will not be looking for evidence of mold in the home. You’ll need to hire a mold inspector who will examine the home for mold problems and may send samples to the lab for testing. If there’s a mold problem, you will need to hire a professional remediator to address it.
Detached structures
Detached structures like garages, sheds, and barns are also not typically included in your home inspection. If the property you’re considering purchasing has detached structures or outbuildings, you may be able to negotiate an added fee for your inspector to also examine them.
Security systems
Your home inspector will look at the locks on doors and windows to make sure they are in working order. But if the home has a security system, that will not be included. You can hire a security professional to assess your system to make sure it’s adequately protecting the property.
Asbestos, lead, and radon
While new homes no longer contain asbestos and lead, you still need to think about these things if you’re purchasing an older home. A home inspector will not be checking for lead paint, radon in your basement, or asbestos in your building materials. These toxic substances can cause serious health problems and will need to be removed if your home contains them. If your home does have lead or asbestos, they will need to be removed by a professional. You can ask your home inspector about adding radon testing as an additional fee. You can also purchase a home testing kit.
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