Whether you’re a property agent, a buyer, or a seller, settling on a price for the property calls for a celebration. But it’s not over yet! You need to get the home inspected by a trustworthy home inspector. A home inspector’s responsibility is to determine if a house is safe for dwelling and if any repair or maintenance work is carried out.
Home inspections also help determine whether all the construction standards have been observed. Homebuyers ultimately receive a home inspection report, but it doesn’t have a fail or pass rating.
However, a home inspection differs from a municipal or regulatory home inspection, which is meant to determine if the local building codes have been followed during the construction. Here’s what you need to know.
Finding A Reliable Home Inspector Or Home Inspection Service
Finding a reliable home inspector is not always easy. Home inspectors and home inspection services in Colorado do not require a license, so it is important to verify whether the home inspector or the inspection service is qualified enough to perform a house inspection.
Choosing an InterNACHI or ASHI-certified home inspection service would be the perfect thing to do. Looking into a sample inspection report prepared by the home inspector is another good practice. A home inspector with work experience in the following fields can also be relied upon:
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Framing
- Roofing
- Remodels
The Home Inspection Report
After completing the home inspection, the home inspector prepares a report. This report includes detailed descriptions of the house and the home inspector’s suggestions for repair and maintenance work.
The Standard Colorado Real Estate Purchase Contract
The standard Colorado real estate purchase contract requires sellers to compensate buyers if they deem certain conditions unsatisfactory.
The contract also permits buyers to adjust the price of the house they wish to buy or to terminate the contract altogether.
Things To Check While Carrying Out a House Inspection
Home inspectors need to examine every nook and cranny of a house with the utmost attention and care to ensure that it is safe and habitable.
A home inspector needs to:
- Inspect the outer part of the house and the surroundings.
- Ensure if the house is situated on solid ground.
- Note if the house is situated close to things or factors that can affect the integrity of the structure in the long run.
- Inspect the house foundation
- Check the exterior walls, roof coverings, gutters, and also plumbing fixtures.
- Check the conditions of doors, windows, floors, and ceilings.
While inspecting the interiors, home inspectors focus on those corners of a house that might exhibit signs of structural decay or require repairs. For instance, they inspect the basement, including the crawlspace. The other space not to miss out on – the attic!
Top Things You Should Look Out for During a Home Inspection
When buying a house in Colorado, pay attention to the quality of the insulation, the air conditioning system, and the existing electrical system. Your home inspection report will help you look for any issues.
Check the house’s roof condition very carefully. The roof plays a major role in keeping the interior in proper condition. If there are chimneys, vents, or skylights on the roof, the property inspector should also examine them.
You should also keep an eye on the GCFI outlets in the house. If these outlets are non-functional, it is indicative of major electrical issues in the house.
Watch out for improper venting of bathroom fans into the attic, as it might lead to mold growth. Also, check if there are attic air leaks because the presence of attic air leaks could mean that there might be some problems with the insulation system.
The Other Things to Look For In a Home Inspection
- It is also important to check the water mains and the basement of a house. Watch out for plumbing issues and check if all the bathtubs and shower pans in the house have been tested for leaks.
- You can also check the furnace filter as it would give you an idea regarding the furnace maintenance in the house.
- Many home inspectors also offer a few additional services, including radon testing, water testing, and termite inspection.
As a homeowner, get your houses inspected and carry out repairs and other maintenance work before putting up your houses for sale.