Don’t Forget These Home Inspections Before Buying

While a general home inspection should always be performed prior to purchasing any home, it may not cover some of the finer details. Here are types of home inspections you’ll want to make sure you have done before making your final decision:

Asbestos

  • Although there are home asbestos-testing kits, it’s best if you have a licensed inspector collect fiber samples and have them tested in a laboratory in order to determine the percentage of asbestos present. Even secondary exposure to asbestos is linked to serious diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma—this is not an inspection you’ll want to risk overlooking.

Chimney

  • A chimney inspector will be able to tell you about the condition of the bricks inside the chimney, whether or not smoke is being expelled correctly, and other possible risks—especially with an older chimney.

Electric

  • An electrician will be able to tell you not only whether or not your electrical box is compliant with city code, but also help you replace it for the lowest price.

Formaldehyde

  • The presence of this colorless gas, as well as other airborne chemicals such as radon and methane gas, can be detected with an air quality test.

Foundation

  • In order to determine whether or not the foundation has faults or is sliding, hire a foundation engineer.

Lead-Based Paint

  • You can hire a lead abatement contractor if a lead-based paint inspection is not included in the general home inspection. Although this type of paint should not be present in homes built after 1978 after it was banned by the government, you may want to check anyway.

Mold

  • Mold can be tested for by measuring air quality. There are many different types, many of which can cause health problems for both humans and animals.

Pests

  • Wood-destroying pests like termites are found most commonly in warmer climates. Invest in a pest inspection to find any pest issues or dry rot.

Septic

  • Depending on how old the home is that you’re considering, it may or may not actually be connected to a sewer system. Get an inspection to avoid any unpleasant surprises later on.

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