Although any good Realtor will recommend a home inspection prior to closing on a home, you should be informed regarding what they are and aren’t. Although an appraisal is part of the closing process to protect you and the bank, there are often misconceptions as to what a typical home inspection includes. Here are some things you should know about home inspections before buying your next home.

Home Inspections Check the General Condition of the Home

Your home inspection may take between two and four hours depending on the size and age of the home. They are not looking for perfection; rather they are looking to make sure the home is a safe and a sound investment. Here are some of the things your home inspector will examine:

  • The home’s structure – In Florida especially, they’re looking at the foundation (or crawlspace) for cracks or signs of structural issues. This includes window and door alignment and cracks throughout the home’s exterior. They will also do a visual inspection of the roof.
  • Operational elements – Anything that conveys with the sale will be evaluated, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, dishwasher, washer, dryer, and refrigerator.
  • Attic – If the attic is accessible, they’ll look for proper insulation and make sure there is no sign of water or pest damage.
  • HVAC – They will turn on the HVAC system to both heat and cool to make sure the unit is working and blowing the appropriate temperature air.
  • Plumbing – Your home inspector will turn on every faucet and shower to make sure water flows and the sink or tub drains.
  • Electric – The two critical elements the home inspector looks at are the breaker box and ground fault circuits to ensure that they’re sufficient for the home and up to code for a home sale.

You'll often hear of a home inspection as a 4-point inspection. Those four points include the roof, plumbing, electrical system, and heating and air conditioning. A wind mitigation inspection is a common option in coastal areas as well as infrared scans for mold detection.  

It Isn’t a Guarantee That Everything is Perfect

Although it would be nice if your home inspection guaranteed everything was perfect with your new home, it doesn’t. 

  • For example, although they will look at the roof from the ground, your home inspector is not guaranteeing that there isn’t a roof leak. Only a roofing contractor can perform a roofing inspection and determine the state of the roof completely. 
  • If you’re buying a home from the era of asbestos and lead paint, you may want to contact a specialist to test for these. Your home inspector doesn’t evaluate for toxic materials. 
  • If there are any signs of water damage noted on the inspection, a follow up with a mold inspector may be a good idea.
  • Lastly, your home inspector won’t inspect the swimming pool. If you’re buying a home with a pool, call a pool company to check the pump and overall condition of the pool.

Since termites are an issue in Florida, your real estate agent should recommend a termite inspection on your prospective home for your protection in addition to the home inspection. 

Jason Duraj and his team at Future Home Realty want to help you find the perfect home for your family. We can answer any questions you have about the home inspection process or your specific home's inspections. Also, we know many great contractors who can conduct detailed inspections or provide you with a repair estimate before you finalize your offer on the home. Call us today to get started finding the perfect home for you: (813) 992-7771.