For a majority of homebuyers, buying a new home without a reputable home inspector’s report is something that would never happen.
That extra set of eyes gives potential homeowners the peace of mind that their new home won’t have a leaky roof or cracked foundation. Or something even worse. But what you might not realize, is that there are problems that may go unnoticed during a home inspection simply because the inspector doesn’t look for them.
Here is a list of things you must make sure your home inspector does not miss:
Faulty appliances. In many cases, your new home may have appliances that are much better than your current ones. The thrill of just owning these appliances may make you think that there is nothing wrong with them. But you must make sure that they are problem free, by instructing the inspector to check them for functionality and leaks.
Leaky plumbing. To ensure that the home’s plumbing is functioning properly, all the faucets should be turned on; toilets flushed multiple times and drain pipes checked while the water is running. Shower pans should be filled and the drains should be tested for leaks.
Problem decks and balconies. Decks and balconies without proper drainage can have safety issues as any dampness associated, can impact the structure and be at risk of collapsing. A proper inspection of the drainage, any cracks and rust will reveal potential problems. This will save thousands of dollars of future repairs.
Cracked sewage and drainage pipes. Insist on a camera inspection of underground or buried pipes. This may cost extra, as most home inspections are limited to what is visible and accessible. But the extra expense is worth the money.
Corroded central air conditioning. Many homes now come with central air conditioning as a standard feature. Because this feature cannot be tested when the temperature outside is below 13 degrees Celsius, a faulty air conditioning unit can go untested in the winter months. In this case, the inspector should go over all the connections and look for signs of damage. If the outside temperature is over the prescribed rate, run the unit for a few hours to test the functioning of the unit’s condenser coil.
Home renovations not done properly. A seller could have done some home improvements without proper permits, or some plumbing or electrical work that may not be up to code. Ensure that a search has been made at the local municipal council for construction permits.
If the work has not been done properly, you could face a costly renovation repair a few years down the line.
Finally, make sure you are working with a reputable and thorough home inspector. Verify an inspector’s references and ask to review the checklist of items covered during an inspection.
Any questions? Please feel free to call or email THE VIRANI TEAM at 604.695.1000 if you have any real estate questions at all. We simply see our mission as striving to be as helpful as we possibly can to area homeowners.