What pre-purchase home inspections should cover

Homes are a tad bit like their buyers – all are different in their own way, and all come in a variety of styles, room sizes, locations and more.

You want the home you are considering to be the best buy you can get. So, it makes a lot of sense to have someone who is an expert in the business of inspecting homes to verify your selection.

These are the ones who would be akin to surgeons in a hospital. They in short order know the condition of the patient, or in this case, your future home.

Much like you might find in surgery, here’s what these inspectors actually do: look at the outside, the inside, the foundation, construction, site, etc. It is like a medical check-up for a home. You will receive the status of your prospective home and the ground it stands on.

•Some prospective problems on the home are easy to spot; like siding that is dented or buckling. Walk around the home and check it out. Look for cracks in the foundation or water seepage in visible pipes.

•Exterior brick – are the bricks and the mortar sound and intact?

•In this region where the temperature can be 90 degrees in the summer and sometimes below zero in some of our winters, be sure to check out the condition of insulation.

• Doors and windows are easy to check for stains, damage, fogging glass.

•That roof that is over your head needs to be checked because roofs are outside in all weather and have to repel moisture to keep the inside of the home from damage. Be sure and check the flashing, chimneys and chimney caps.

•Look for loose pieces of drywall that may be peeling away.

•On the electrical side, check the condition of fuse boxes, circuit breakers and outlets in each room.

•Look for poor water pressure and rust spots that indicate leaks.

• Also be on the lookout for the age and size of the water heater servicing the home.

• Furnace and air conditioning means checking for age and energy rating. The higher the utilization efficiency rating the lower your fuel costs will be.

• The garage exterior should be in good repair. Check for floor cracks and whether the door and garage door opener are in working condition.

• In the basement, look for water damage and a musty smell.

• The attic must have adequate ventilation. Also check for leaks in the attic roof.

• Look for cracks, heaving pavement, stain, etc. in the driveway and sidewalks.

These are some of the issues potential owners should become familiar with if they are checking a home out with a certifiable home inspector. Just as you have an annual check-up with your physician; it is wise to have a check-up for your home before you buy.