A home inspection is an essential part of the property purchasing process. Even if it is not a legal requirement, it is a sensible option. After all, while the building and construction industry security of payment act can help you claim compensation for building defects and poor work quality, it is much easier not to have to do this.
That’s why you need a home inspection and you should be aware of the most common things that fail on a home inspection. Making sure these have been checked can save you a large repair bill.
Drainage
The drains are often overlooked when purchasing a property because they are not seen and simply do their job. However, drains can become clogged which leads to wastewater being unable to drain and potentially backflowing into your home. This can be caused by the buildup of debris, which needs to be cleared. It can also be a result of tree roots damaging pipes, leading to them needing to be replaced.
Drainage also includes downpipes and gutters, if damaged or missing the water will cascade down your walls, causing damp and even structural problems.
Plumbing
Plumbing often fails because there are leaks that have been undetected or ignored by the current homeowner. In some cases, the fixtures can be leaking but it is not noticeable. You can check the meter reading and then check it again two hours later without using water between the times. If it moves you have a leak.
You should also note damp patches, bubbling paint, and even missing paint. All are indications of a plumbing issue.
Roof Damage
The roof is an essential part of the property, protecting you from the elements and lending strength to the building. But, they also take the brunt of the weather and even something as simple as a cracked tile can allow water in and cause issues. The roof needs to be checked thoroughly, it commonly has issues and an entire roof replacement is expensive.
Ventilation
When you talk about ventilation most people think about the ventilation in the house, generally achieved with the use of windows and perhaps fans in bathrooms. But, one of the most important ventilation issues is actually under the house. In the crawl space, under floors, you need adequate ventilation to ensure you don’t get a buildup of warm damp air.
The dampness will attack wood and other materials, potentially causing structural issues in your home. It can also encourage mold growth, which can cause health issues.
Asbestos
Asbestos is banned from new homes but still common in homes built before 1990. It is important to know it is present and where. Undisturbed it is very low risk. But, if you are renovating it needs to be removed by professionals to prevent the particles from getting into your lungs and causing health issues in the future.
With a little planning and a thorough home inspection, you will be aware of what issues your property has and how to deal with them. These facts can even be used to help lower the price.
