Home Inspections

Home inspections are an important, if not essential tool, that every potential Real Estate investor should consider. For buyers, any problems found can be used as bargaining chips during negotiations. They can also benefit the seller, by allowing for the opportunity to make any necessary repairs or improvements before putting the house on the market.

To any potential investor, spending a few hundred dollars for a professional home inspection can save many times that amount during the process. Be sure to state in writing that any offer is contingent upon a professional inspection.

First and foremost, a separate pest and termite inspection should be done. Carpenter ants, termites and even mice can cause severe structural damage, chew through wiring and ruin shelving and attics.

Professional inspectors will start with the foundation, looking for cracks, check for any influx of water as well as check for level ground. Evidence of water will show up as efflorescence - a white, powder-like material indicating penetration points, mold or mildew (areas with black stains). Some will use meters to check for concentations of radon gas and lasers to check level and cracking.

Floors will be inspected for materials used, proper joints and angles. The walls are checked for potential water damage and incorrect framing.

Inside the walls, plumbing and electrical systems are inspected for damage, non-code compliant construction, or simple age or wear. Any leaks will be noted and pipes inspected for rust, lead, or other chemical concerns. Flow rate and pressure are sometimes measured.

Electrical systems get a thorough review, checking for faulty wiring, uncovered switches or receptacles, incorrect grounding, inadequate circuit breakers, or bad GFCI trips. The latter are those little red buttons often seen in the middle of outlets. They are somewhat like miniature circuit breakers built into the receptacle itself.

Working up to the attic, framing is checked for angles and strength and the area checked for air or water leaks or damage. The underneath of the roof is examined for tears or holes in papering and proper seal where vent pipes protrude outside.

Up on the roof the inspector will check for holes, loose tile, bad flashing or any other weakness that leads to lack of protection against the elements.

Around the outside of the house, all faucets are tested for leaks and proper flow. Inside, all heating and air conditioning systems will be checked for duct leaks, filter condition, and adequate capacity and flow. Thermostats receive a thorough going over.

Any inbuilt appliances, such as stoves and water heaters are checked for compliance with standards. Installed propane or wood stoves and piping are checked for physical integrity and proper function.

Carpets are checked for inappropriate levels of wear or damage and tested for mold or water damage. Any paint damage, particularly due to water infiltration will be noted.

All these items, and many more, are noted on a report available to whomever ordered and paid for the home inspection.

Environmental Dangers

Termite Damage


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