What a Home Inspector Might Miss on the Initial Visit: Searching for Potential Problems
This blog post will be about areas that a home inspector might miss on the initial visit. There are many reasons why this could happen, and I would like to share some of them with you so that you know what to expect when hiring an inspector for your new home!
Asbestos
There are a large number of homes that have been built prior to the 1970’s that still have asbestos in the materials that they were constructed from.
In some instances a home inspector will not be able to test for asbestos on the initial visit, and in others they will not have been trained to recognize it.
It is often best to seek out a lab or a specialist for the testing of asbestos in the home. In fact, there are a number of home testing kits on the market that you can purchase in order to test for asbestos yourself. However, you may not feel skilled enough to do so, and it is always best to call in a professional. A professional asbestos examiner will look into the materials the home is constructed from, and they will test it to ensure that there are no traces of asbestos.
When a professional inspects for asbestos , they are looking at a number of things. In the basement, for example, you will want an inspector to inspect all vapor barriers and ductwork . In the attic, you will want an inspector to check for insulation.
If they do find any trace elements of asbestos they will offer you advice on how to have it removed safely and efficiently.
Outdated Electrical Wiring
There are many homes available on the market today that are still running with knob and tube wiring. This type of wiring, which is also known as “legacy” or “string and plug,” has been found to be unsafe for years. In many situations it is unable to carry the full weight of a home’s electrical load.
Incorrect Grade Slope
This is a serious situation that can lead to wet crawlspaces, cracking, as well as the full movement of the foundation. Additionally, water wicking up the foundation has the ability to cause damage to the inside of your home. Including the potential for rotting walls and harmful mold throughout the house.
Some of the noticeable factors that the foundation has moved include doors that have large gaps, windows that are no longer fully square. If you notice any of these telltale signs of foundation problems, understand that it is a serious and often expensive problem to have solved.
Minor Structural Damage
It can be quite common to find broken and cut trusses in attic cavities as well as complete structural components that are missing. These are visible on the initial inspection and will need to be addressed. While repairs will often be needed, it is typically not that complicated or a dangerous situation.
Radon Gas
Home inspections will generally be able to detect for possible harmful situations such as carbon, mold, and radon. Be certain that the contract for the home in which you are considering addresses these issues as well.
Mold
A home inspection is a critical part of the process if you are considering a home that is being purchased “as-is” or a foreclosure. The inspector will be able to find the presence of mold and give you a sense of its severity. Mold is quite dangerous and should be addressed as soon as possible. This can not only be a dangerous situation but a costly one as well.
The home inspector will also be able to judge an approximate age on many of the essential systems in the home including the roof, heating and cooling systems.
The inspector will also be able to find any potential leaks in the home such as a leaky toilet, water heater or other plumbing fixture. These can cause significant damage not only to your budget but to your health if they are left untreated for an extended period of time. Understand that all aspects of the home have a specific shelf-life and this is true for the systems in your home as well.
It is important to understand that an inspector does not examine all aspects of a house and there may be some areas which are overlooked on their initial visit. The best thing you can do if you have any questions or concerns about anything at all, it ask them directly with no hesitation! Contact us if you have any questions, would like to book an inspection, or would like referrals if your not in the Greater Kingston area.
