Learn how a home inspection works from Mississippi Landsource. Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Amite, Pike, Franklin, or Madison County MS, having a home inspection done is smart. Mississippi Landsource is not only a great source of information when it comes to land for sale in Mississippi but also anything dealing with your home. A home inspection is your opportunity to learn more about your prospective home’s condition and get an expert’s opinion on how to address any issues before you buy or sell.
Trying to buy or sell a home and wondering what a home inspection entails? In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about a home inspection.
What does a home inspection include?
A home inspection is a visual examination of the various parts of a house with the goal of identifying any defects or problems with the house’s structure, systems, and equipment. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), a qualified home inspector should do a thorough evaluation of a home, including:
Structure
A leaky roof, bad wiring, and even ugly wallpaper can be replaced (eventually), but a foundation that’s not up to code can mean disaster for your new home. That’s why the inspection begins with the structural system, including the foundation and framing. The foundation is checked for deterioration of cement or concrete block.
Exterior
The interior of your home can be an important factor if you’re in the market to buy, but don’t neglect the outside. A home’s exterior reveals a lot of potential problems and can identify the causes of structural issues. The inspector will examine sidewalks, siding, trim, drainage, porches, doors, railings and more.
Roof
Among the most essential components of a home is its roof. As such, home inspectors closely examine your roof for signs of trouble. Inspectors examine the roofing material, flashing, venting and drainage systems on your roof allowing you to identify potential problems and fix them before they become serious.
Plumbing
Every home inspection will include a visual inspection of the plumbing and water systems. While it is impossible to see all the water systems as most plumbing isn’t visible in a home, there are several items that can be checked including:
- Fixtures and faucets
- Hot water tanks
- Flues and chimneys
- Fuel tanks
- Sump pumps and sewage grinders
Electrical
An electrical system or service box inspection is part of a home inspection and can be requested by the buyer or seller to determine if there are any electrical issues.
The inspector will check the service box and estimate its size based on the number of circuits in use, calculate the maximum wire load and determine if there is adequate capacity to support future electrical needs. The inspector also checks for deteriorated wiring, broken or cracked electrical boxes, loose connections and any other evidence of damage or improper installation.
HVAC
Home inspectors typically check the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system during inspections. They look at the size of the home and the type of HVAC system it must determine if it’s appropriate. In addition, they examine the visible components of heating vent systems, such as flues, vents, and ducts, to determine if they are intact.
Interior
Home inspectors typically check the interior of a house for problems which include everything from malfunctioning appliances to lead paint to termites.
Insulation & Ventilation
Properly insulated and ventilated areas of your home make a significant difference in energy costs and reduce the risk of moisture problems. A home inspector can identify the type and amount of insulation in the unfinished areas as well as recommend ways to improve the home’s efficiency.
Fireplaces
A fireplace or wood-burning appliance can be a beautiful addition to your home. But they can also be fire hazards if they are not properly installed, maintained, and operated.
A home inspector will check the fireplace, chimney, and any wood-burning appliance for obvious damage or inadequacies such as missing safety doors, improper venting, or cracked glass.
Selling Your Home? Make Sure Your Roof Is at Its Best Condition
If you’re seeing little interest in your home from buyers, it could be because of the condition of the property’s roof. When your roof looks bad, buyers will notice and wonder if the rest of your house is in similar shape. Replacing a roof can help you sell your home faster and for more money, with less expense than a complete remodel.
If your roof is nearing the end of its life or in worse shape than you thought, it’s time to make that call for a roof replacement. Call Mississippi Landsource today for a free information on buying or selling Mississippi real estate. Landsource is here for land for sale in Mississippi but also when you’re selling your MS home or buying a new home.