Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone in life. But this major investment also comes with risks if hidden defects or maintenance issues go unnoticed. Having a professional home inspection performed before closing on a Montgomery home can help safeguard your purchase.
While home inspections are extremely beneficial, you can take steps to get even more out of the process. Going above and beyond with creative preparation and engagement allows you to maximize the value gained from your home inspection in Montgomery.
Review the Property Thoroughly Yourself First
Don’t rely entirely on the home inspector to point out every minor flaw or concern. Take time to thoroughly assess the property yourself first.
Turn on all faucets, flush toilets, run appliances, check outlets, and open every window and door. Look for any drips, leaks, cracks, or signs of damage. Check the age and condition of systems like the water heater, HVAC, electrical panel, and roof.
Make notes and take pictures of anything that looks faulty, worn out, or suspicious. Provide this list to your inspector so they can pay special attention to potential problem areas.
Ask About Infrared Scans
Thermal imaging cameras used during an inspection can identify moisture issues and electrical faults that may not be visible on the surface. The infrared scans highlight temperature variations that can indicate water leaks behind walls or overloaded circuits.
Not all inspectors offer infrared imaging as part of a standard home inspection. Ask potential inspectors if they perform infrared scans and compare the pricing for this enhanced inspection. Catching hidden moisture or electrical issues early is worth the small additional investment.
Accompany the Inspector
Follow the home inspector as they assess the property. Many issues large and small can be overlooked when buyers simply wait for the written report later. Being present allows you to have a dialogue with the inspector and get their experienced perspective on concerns as they arise.
Pay close attention to the home’s nooks and crannies you probably didn’t examine on your preliminary walkthrough. Probe the inspector for their candid opinion about the home’s overall condition, any immediate repairs recommended, and expected future maintenance needs.
Go Up on the Roof
The roof is one of the most expensive components to replace so making sure it’s in good shape is critical. Climb up on the roof with the inspector to get a close look at the materials and note any damaged areas.
Bring a pair of binoculars to get a good vantage point of the overall roof surface and ridges from different spots. Look for missing or cracked shingles/tiles, deterioration of flashing, and any sagging or uneven areas.
Check Out the Attic
Crawl through the attic with the inspector paying close attention to the framing, insulation, and any ducting or wiring. Look for water stains, condensation, and mold which can indicate roof leaks, poor ventilation, or excess moisture.
Check that insulation is adequate and evenly distributed with no gaps or voids. Ensure ductwork looks properly connected and suspended. Scan floor joists and rafters for sagging or damage.
Focus on Critical Areas
Certain elements of a home require extra diligence during an inspection. Have the inspector pay special attention to areas prone to moisture, leaks, or safety issues.
Closely examine basement foundations, crawlspaces, bathrooms, the kitchen, doors, windows, outdoor patio covers, and any deck/balcony railings. Moisture damage, decay, cracks, and improper structural work often occur in these vulnerable areas over time.
Take It a Step Further
Some inspection steps go beyond what a general home inspector typically includes in a standard assessment. Consider hiring specialists to provide further evaluation of complex systems:
- Have large trees on the property inspected for disease and general health by an arborist
- For older homes, enlist mold and lead paint inspectors to check for hazardous conditions
- If there is a pool or hot tub, make sure proper certifications are in place
- In rural areas, test well water quality and have the septic system examined
Address Builder Home Issues Under Warranty
For newer construction homes still under the builder’s warranty period, take advantage of having the contractor address inspection findings. Keep detailed records and thoroughly check completed warranty repair work before the warranty expires.
Follow Up on All Recommendations
After the inspection, create a checklist of all recommended repairs, replacements, and specialist assessments. Follow through on addressing every major and minor item noted in the report. Also, review future maintenance tips with contractors during repairs. Leaving inspection findings unfinished can allow damage to worsen and put safety at risk over time.
Use the inspector’s unbiased assessment to make an informed decision about the home’s true condition and complete necessary repairs. Taking advantage of these creative pointers will help ensure your home inspection is as thorough and enlightening as possible.