Buying a home is a significant investment, and ensuring the house is in the best possible condition is a primary priority for any buyer. A general home inspection is almost always suggested for anyone purchasing a new property.
So, it’s a good idea to get a professional home inspection. But which type? After all, many different options are available these days. Here are the fundamentals of how various home inspections operate and how to pick the best one for you!
Radon Inspection
Radon may sound strange, but it is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can leak into your home through the foundation, crawl space, or basement. It can increase the chances of lung cancer, so this is a severe worry for a potential homebuyer.
The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry recommends that all homes be tested for radon despite its prevalence in different regions. If your general inspection is unable to examine this gas, the National Radon Safety Board can help you locate a qualified inspector.
Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspection
Wood-destroying organism (WDO) Inspection, known as termite inspection, guarantees that your future home is free of six-legged occupants. WDO inspectors focus on termites, wood-boring beetles, and carpenter ants as potential culprits while examining dry rot caused by fungi.
Many states need a WDO examination to close on residence, and even other states, cities, or counties may insist on one. If you’re utilizing a VA loan or FHA loan, a WDO inspection may be essential regardless of site.
A WDO inspection identifies active infestation signs, pest infestations, and potential trouble spots that can allow pests in. You’ll receive a report with comprehensive findings and recommendations for solving any issues that may arise. A pest control company can conduct these inspections to ensure thorough and expert evaluations.
Mould Inspection
The absence of visible mould doesn’t mean it is absent in your dream house. A mould issue can show that the home is hiding more significant problems, including water damage, leaks, or even flooding. A professional skilled in mould remediation will usually perform a visual inspection and take samples of the air and surfaces in the home to find the type of mould present. This home inspection may even use thermal imaging to detect moist or cold spaces behind walls where mould breeds.
Roof Inspection
Most general home inspections will identify the most apparent roof issues. With a visual inspection from the ground, you can find problems like dark streaks or stains on your ceiling or loose shingles. However, a roof inspector will conduct a more comprehensive inspection that may expose issues that aren’t visible to the inexperienced eye. This can involve monitoring the gutters’ state, loose shingles that could let water into the house, and leaks.
Asbestos Inspection
Up until the late ’80s, asbestos was a material that was used in many roofing, paint, tiles, and other construction materials in residential homes. Asbestos exposure, when damaged or disturbed, can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain, potentially leading to long-term health issues. However, asbestos only becomes dangerous for health when it’s disturbed, and the fibres are discharged into the air, which can occur during remodelling or other home repair projects.
The Certified Home Inspectors state that general home inspectors typically identify asbestos-like material as asbestos, as it can only be positively identified under a microscope. Testing for asbestos can be very hazardous due to the danger of releasing harmful fibres. Working with professionals who use specialized tools to cut into materials and collect samples for testing is recommended.