Although having your offer on your ideal home accepted may seem like a cause for celebration, but you’re not done yet. Before you pop the bubbly, you’ll need to get the house and its grounds evaluated since there could be a slew of issues lurking. This isn’t about peeling paint, which will be evident and relatively inexpensive to correct, but rather large-ticket problems that may impact the property’s livability. Here are a few items that you should pay special attention to during your house inspection by san antonio home inspectors.
● A tank for oil
This might not be a significant concern if you’re buying a house that’s heated with oil and plan to keep it that way. Whether the house is heated with gas, it was likely heated with oil previously, and you should check to see if there is an oil tank on the site.
If the tank is still there, one of two things has happened: it has either been filled with sand and gravel or it hasn’t. You might be permitted to leave it there, but some areas may demand it to be removed.
● Heating and cooling system
Your inspector should be able to tell you how long your home air conditioning condenser (outside unit) should survive just by verifying the serial number. Most condensers will survive 12 to 15 years before needing to be replaced.
According to Trulia, roof problems account for 39 percent of homeowners insurance claims. It is essential to find out the roof’s age and inquire about any issues.
● The chimney’s structural stability
Fixing issues with your chimney can be expensive. Your inspector should search for indicators of damage to the inside of the chimney liner, brickwork flaws around the chimney, and corrosion.
● Drainage and dispersal of water
Water is your home’s worst enemy. There’s a chance the foundation will be harmed. If water is discovered near the house, you want it to flow away from it rather than towards it. Check the gutters and spouts outside, as they might harm the foundation if they aren’t working properly.
While exterior water damage is relatively straightforward to discover with a visual inspection, possible damage buried within a home’s walls can be more challenging to detect.
● System of electricity
There are a few systems to keep an eye on. One is knob and tube wiring, often known as K&T, was common in residences from around 1880 to the 1930s; this type of electrical system is typically ungrounded, posing a risk of electric shock. Another thing to keep an eye out for is a Federal Pacific Electric panel: when the circuit breakers on those systems trip, it frequently results in overheating and fire.
● A framework
You must ensure that the foundation of the house is sound. As with the roof, it’s probable that you’ll have to bring it up to code as the new owner. Foundation problems can be costly.
● The flooring’s quality
Wood-destroying insects are the first thing inspectors search for. Carpenter bees, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, and, of course, termites are all examples.
In addition to the regular assessment of visible flooring, subfloors covered with carpet, tile, or laminate might cause additional concerns if not thoroughly investigated.
● Gases that are harmful to one’s health
Although radon has no color, odor, or taste, it is radioactive and dangerous. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing all residences for radon. A potential home buyer might inquire about radon testing before a home inspection. Sellers frequently test their properties before listing them for sale, so test data from recent inspections may be available throughout the closing process. If not, radon tests are inexpensive, costing under $40, and can be completed in days.
