A thorough home inspection is necessary before buying a property, and the small details matter just as much as the big ones! Those large problems may cost the big bucks, but if you overlook the rest, you could be looking at the potential of racking that bill up even more. If you’re looking into homes for your family, you should always ensure no stone is left unturned.
These Virginia home inspection services can save your home (and wallet) in the near or distant future. You never know what ripple effect can occur if you let the smaller things slide – allow us to shine a light on some of the things we mean!
Outside And Exterior
Searching for apparent leaks in your septic tank or cracks in the foundation is great, but if you look closely, there are other details you can overlook if you’re not paying attention. Inspecting for cracks in the bricks, missing roof shingles, damage to the siding, and proper drainage of your gutters without signs of decay are imperative. Additionally, your inspectors should ensure the chimneys aren’t leaning and show no sign of damage as another crucial step in an inspection! Some of these little details may seem like small potatoes, but they can be signs of a more significant problem beneath the surface that inspectors are trained to look for.
Basement/Attic
Your home’s basement and attic spaces are great for storage or even renovated to become an extra room, but those dreams can tarnish quickly if they’re not correctly cared for. Home inspectors check for water damage to the floors/ceilings, as that can cause a significant dent in your wallet. Checking that your sump pump works, insulation is installed properly, electrical splices are contained, and the ventilation is adequate is imperative for good basement/attic health. Don’t let these become a headache when you’re looking for a home!
Kitchen
While the average person spends about an hour a day in the kitchen, many people spend much more time than that preparing food for their families. Your garbage disposal, exhaust fan (to vent outside), and built-in appliances should function correctly, and our certified home inspectors are just the people for the job! It’s imperative to also ensure visible plumbing under the sinks is not leaking or damaged. All of these and more will provide ease while working in your kitchen and will make cooking fun!
Bathrooms
On our list of home inspection requirements, the bathrooms can cause critical issues if left unattended. Like the kitchen, you should make sure the visible plumbing beneath the sinks isn’t leaking or damaged, the toilet is stable with no stains at the base, the toilet flushes/fills properly, there is adequate water pressure for hot and cold water to all fixtures, and the amenities drain properly (tub, shower, and sinks). The last thing you need is to lose these critical household amenities shortly after moving into your dream home!
Interior Rooms
Your bedrooms & living spaces should be your sanctuary, your safe space to sleep or relax – don’t let them become another source of agitation and stress! Your home inspector should make sure doors open easily/latch, light switches operate satisfactorily, there is the correct number of electrical outlets in each room, the fireplace has no cracking, the flue has been cleaned thoroughly, smoke detectors function correctly, and the stairway treads/risers are solid. You’d be amazed at how big of a difference each of these makes when incorrectly versus correctly installed!
Small Details For Home Inspections Recap
We’ve all heard the expression ‘great things come in small packages,’ and in this case, that’s a passing home inspection, even of the littlest things. It’s hard to keep track of the long list of home inspection requirements, so you should always find a reputable, dependable team to have your back. Don’t let this process be a nightmare; let it be a dream come true!
