When you are buying a house, there are lots of precautions you should take before committing to anything. Inspections are crucial prior to buying a home so you can access whether you want or are able to do the necessary repair work. Here is a useful guide to help you understand what type of inspections you’ll want to have performed before you purchase a new home.
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Foundation inspection
The foundation is one of the most important parts of your home as the house you’re about to buy is sitting on it. Get a qualified professional to assess any cracks or damages.
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Plumbing inspection
If the water has been turned off in the home, as was the case with my foreclosure, then make sure you have the water turned on and tested during the inspection. This is the only way to identify if there is a leak or damage to any pipes.
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Roof inspection
A roof is an expensive repair, so make sure your home inspection includes a thorough roof inspection. Most shingle roofs last 15 to 30 years, so factor that repair as a possibility when purchasing your new home.
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Termite inspection
Termites are terrible little insects! They can really do serious damage to the structure of the home. A separate termite inspection can help you find existing damage and help with preventative maintenance.
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Neighborhood inspection
Talk to the neighbors and ask if they know of any problems with the house or within the neighborhood. You can also get a police report for the area to get a better understanding of common problems in the vicinity.
As we mentioned in our Uncover the Mystery, Get a Home Inspection article, you can include a home inspection as a condition in your purchase agreement. Typically a home inspection will evaluate a house’s mechanical systems, structural integrity, and safety features, and identify any items that need attention. The aforementioned inspections will help you understand what a comprehensive home inspection should include as well as as bring your attention to questions you might want to ask.
Christine is the Content Marketing Coordinator for Homes.com. She's a small town girl at heart, who currently lives in Norfolk, VA with her husband and their fur baby. When she's not working, she enjoys cooking, decorating, traveling, and binge watching Netflix. As a proud Virginia Tech alum, she also loves cheering on the Hokies!
