After a buyer’s offer is accepted by the seller, one of the next steps is scheduling the home inspection. This is an important step in the real estate process because it takes a deeper look at the structural integrity of the home and highlights any major defects, dangers or necessary repairs. However, even though the home inspection is significant, it does not look over all the elements that make up a home’s functionality and safety. Below are 10 areas an inspection doesn’t cover, and what to do if you’d like these areas examined before completing the home purchase.
Mold
A home inspection is not the same as a mold inspection. If a home inspector finds something that resembles mold, it will most likely be identified as a substance that needs further investigation. The only way to determine if mold is growing behind walls, in the attic or the crawl space is to hire a licensed and trained mold inspector who will take and test samples of the substance. Mold can be harmful to some people if exposed over a period of time.
Pests
Damage caused by termites, mice or other pests are not part of the home inspection. If the inspector suspects pest damage, it will be noted, but the type of pest and extent of the damage may not. Termites cause more than a billion dollars in damage to homes annually and do take up residence in homes within Indiana. At a minimum, a termite inspection is a good idea and can be scheduled with a reputable pest control company.
Sewer line
A broken sewer line stinks…literally! Property owners are responsible for sewer line repairs on their property, and these repairs can be expensive. Experienced plumbing or drain companies can inspect the sewer line for tree roots, cracks or other signs of damage.
Septic system
Buyers purchasing a home with a septic system should find out when it was last pumped, the size of the tank and the level of sludge. A home inspector will run faucets, flush toilets and listen for normal plumbing sounds, but they will not inspect the status of the septic system. Contact a septic company or plumber with experience in septic systems, for information about a septic inspection.
Swimming pools
It is not the job of a home inspector to check the integrity of a home’s pool. Their job is to review the structural integrity of the house, not the backyard recreation area. Some inspectors may check a pool’s heat pump, but not for cracks, leaks or other issues that arise with a pool. Speak with an experienced pool professional about having the pool examined to stay ahead of any potential problems.
Fireplaces and chimneys
The home inspection will look for visible signs of damage around a fireplace, it will not determine if the chimney needs cleaning. It will also not make any type of statement related to the flashing around the chimney, fire screens, mantels or heating elements. It’s a good idea to ask the seller when the chimney was last cleaned, and speak with a professional chimney sweep about a fireplace and chimney inspection.
Lead paint
Wall finishings are not covered by a home inspection, which includes the use of lead-based paint. It’s recommended that home buyers have a lead inspection to determine whether or not lead-based paint is present. It is not uncommon to find lead in older homes or recently remodeled homes.
Electrical systems
The home inspector will flip on all light switches and make note of outlets, the fuse box and electrical system, but it will not review the status of the fuses or breaker box(es). If the inspector finds an area of burned or worn out wiring, he or she may make a note of it so the homeowner can investigate further. Trained electricians can perform an inspection on any areas of concern.
Radon gas
Living in the Midwest, it’s important to have a radon inspection. This is a gas that rises from the ground and can be hazardous to the health of people living in an enclosed environment, such as a house. Radon is the number one cause of environmental cancers and can be easily remediated if caught early. A radon test does not take long and can be performed by a licensed radon inspector.
Appliance ventilation
Part of the home inspection is to check that appliances are running normally, this includes the refrigerator getting cold and the light working, the oven warming up and the garbage disposal making a normal sound. However, the inspector can choose to not analyze whether or not the microwave ventilation is working properly. The inspector will also not check small appliances that can quickly be unplugged, including mini-fridges or wine refrigerators.
Home buyers should invest in a home inspection because it gives an overview of the condition of the house and will identify any areas that need attention or repairs. However, a home inspection will not capture all of a home’s defects. Basic inspections, such as those for lead-based paint, termites and radon are highly recommended, as are septic and pool inspections for homes with them. No one wants to move into a home and uncover a multitude of problems, so if there is a suspicion that something may be wrong, go ahead and have it inspected before closing. Speak with a licensed and experienced realtor about professionals who offer specialized inspections.