Before a Home Inspection: What to Know

Without the proper training or preparation, a home inspection can probably seem daunting. That is why it’s important to be familiar with the process going in, which we are here to help you with! In a home inspection educational program, students learn a number of things, including scenarios that home inspectors are legally obligated to report. We are going to give you some insight into what to be on the lookout for, but don’t limit your inspection based on what we name. Now, if you are either performing the inspection yourself, or plan to hire a professional, there are the things you need to know for your St Louis home inspection.

Roof problems. You can tell if a roof is going bad just by looking at it from the street. If there are shingles missing and dark patches on the roof, there could be a problem. You can also go inside and look for places where water has clearly been getting through. The drywall might be discolored, for example, or there may be cracks in the plaster. In extreme situations, whole sections of the ceiling could have collapsed.

A cracked foundation. You also need to look at the foundation to make sure that it is not cracked, which could make the home structurally unsound. You could take up a section if you think that there is an issue, or you could look for damage in the walls that could come from the house settling poorly, a result of a broken foundation.

Locks on the windows. People will often take the locks off of their windows so that they are easier to open and close, so this is the next thing to look for. You want to make sure that all of the windows still have locks on them, making the home safe. If any have been removed, they need to be replaced before the home is purchased.

A chemical leak, such as radon. You may also want to check and see if radon is leaking into the house. This is a very dangerous element that often gets trapped in the basement; it has been linked to diseases like cancer. A simple test can be run to determine if there is radon in the home. If there is, a vent will have to be created to let it escape and dissipate in the air, after which it will no longer be dangerous. Other chemicals, like carbon monoxide and Chinese Drywall should be investigated.

Check everything! The above areas are just good places to start. You have to keep your eyes open during the inspection, checking everything out, to make sure that nothing is missed. It is better to be safe than sorry, and if you are a potential buyer, you should use your own inspector, not one that is working on behalf of the seller.