Issues That Home Inspections May Not Catch

Shared by Hello Pam Evans Real Estate

Whether you’re looking to sell your current home or purchase a new one, having a home inspection conducted can save you a lot of money and frustration down the road.

Plain and simple, home inspections are imperative because they find weaknesses that may negatively impact your home’s value or safety. However, while inspectors are adept at uncovering pesky issues such as wood rot or locating foundation issues, even the most experienced professional will have a hard time detecting problems hiding behind walls, between floor joists, or inside septic lines.

Therefore, while it’s important to hire the services of an experienced inspector who comes highly recommended by your Realtor, it’s still important to realize that, due to the hidden nature of some home issues, there are times where you may need the services of other professionals.

HVAC PROBLEMS. Having a solid understanding of the health and life expectancy of your HVAC system can be a huge help, particularly if you’re already aware of the fact that the system is older. While most home inspectors can tell whether a unit is or is not working properly, if you’re looking for a more detailed workup or are certain that there has not been a service contract used by the present owner, it’s wise to bring in a licensed HVAC specialist.

WATER DAMAGE. Inspectors will turn on faucets and check pipes, but if it’s been a while since the home has been lived in or you’re dealing with a bathroom that’s rarely used, previous water damage may have already dried up (or been painted over).

In regards to roof leaks, most inspectors will make visual assessments from the ground. However, while some may make a point to climb onto the roof, climactic issues such as snow, ice, rain, or leaves may make it difficult to conduct a close-up examination. Therefore, if you’re concerned about existing leaks or damage, you may want to bring in a specialized water damage or plumbing professional who can help determine the source of the problem and what types of remedies are available to solve it.

SEPTIC CHECKS. Since many of the homes in North Fulton and Forsyth County are fitted with septic tanks, it’s always beneficial to have your field lines and tank checked for functionality. Again, while a standard home inspection may cover your septic system, the breadth of their check won’t be as wide as one done by the actual septic company.

FOUNDATION ISSUES. As previously stated, although your inspector may indicate that there are some structural concerns with the home, it’s important to bring in a good engineer who can evaluate the extent of the potential problems. Some fixes are relatively simple and won’t take up too much of your time; however, some can be quite costly, so you’ll want to make sure to call in an experienced structural expert.

In the end, a skilled home inspector can help you avoid a myriad of unexpected issues and save you from dealing with extra heartache and money down the road. Whether you’re looking to tackle problems before placing your home on the market or are hoping to avoid unexpected costs after closing, it’s important to remember that home inspections are not a fool-proof, catch-all service. For more specialized concerns, further tests may be necessary.

If you’d like the referral of a reputable inspector or would like some assistance with your current or soon-to-be home, I’d love to offer my services.

This post was sponsored by Hello Pam Evans Real Estate.