A home inspector will come to your potential new home and walk you through the inspection. They will be able to tell you of any problems they find, of any safety or health risks, whether problems require immediate resolution or monitoring. You want to know as much about the home as possible prior to signing on the dotted line. You will gain peace of mind with a home inspection!
A full home inspection is very comprehensive. Here are some areas it will include:
Roof: Inspecting the roof will include looking for roof penetrations or damage, possible leaks and issues with vents, flashing, skylights, chimneys, trim, gutters and downspouts. They will also look at your eaves and soffits and fascia.
Foundation: Foundation damage can be very expensive to repair. An inspector will look for evidence of damage such as cracks, water penetration or foundation movement. They will check the exterior, basement and any crawl spaces.
Exterior: It’s important to have the exterior items of your potential home inspected. That is why a home inspector will check any decks, porches, walkways and railings. They will also look at the garage or shed, check the garage door opener and ensure it is properly ventilated. A full inspection of your yard’s grading and drainage system will be inspected, making sure water will not run into and flood your house.
Mechanical Systems:
Your plumbing system will be inspected including all plumbing fixtures and faucets, water pressure as well as an inspection of visible pipes. The inspector will also help you located the houses main water shutoff valve.
The inspector will identify they kind of wiring your home has, check the electrical panel, breakers and fuses for any issues or fire hazards and inform you of necessary electrical upgrades. They will also check out the electrical service line, meter box, main disconnect and service amperage.
The heating and cooling system will receive a full inspection including the inspection of your furnace, duct work and the home’s insulation and ventilation. They should be able to tell you the age of your furnace, how efficient it is and if will need to be replaced in the near future. They will also take a look at your hot water heater and give you a general idea of when that might need to be replaced.
Fireplace: If the home has a fireplace, gas or wood burning, the home inspector will make sure it is operating properly and safely. They will check the damper, door and hearth and give recommendations for required maintenance.
Not only will conducing a full home inspection alert you of potential issues or required repairs the home might have, being present for the inspection will also teach you a lot about the ins and outs of your new home. This knowledge will come in handy in the future!
Thinking about making an offer on a new home? Contact Calgary’s Best Home Inspectors!
