What Are the Most Important Home Inspection Services?
Both new and old homes have to be inspected periodically so sellers, owners, or prospective buyers can find out what kind of work needs to be completed. A great provider will offer various home inspection services such as general inspections, four-point inspections, new construction inspections, pool inspections, and wind mitigation inspections.
The time your inspection takes depends on the type you have chosen. For instance, a general inspection is much more thorough than a four-point one, so it will take longer and cost you more money. When you reach out, your inspector can explain the different services to you and help you decide which one could be right for your property.
What Are the Most Important Home Inspection Services?
People get home inspections for a number of reasons, so a good inspector will offer a wide variety of services that suit different customers. People who are looking to sell their home might need to have it examined to find out whether they need to complete any repairs that could upgrade its value. However, those looking to buy a home should have an even more thorough inspection done because this can prevent nasty surprises down the line.
Even if the house you’re hoping to purchase is new, it’s worth asking an inspector to have a look because not all buildings are constructed to a high standard. Properties that contain a pool require frequent inspections because the pool needs to be kept safe. Additionally, properties that have recently been fitted with windstorm mitigation features should be inspected, so the relevant credits can be applied.
General Home Inspections
A general home inspection is very comprehensive and covers all aspects of the home, from the basement to the ceiling. Your inspector will have a look at the property’s foundations, the inside and outside structures, and all the systems such as electrical, plumbing, and heating. Reports are often many pages long and contain great detail about the current condition of the property.
General inspections are very useful for people who would like to buy a new home because the in-depth examination is likely to identify any big problems. For example, you can find out if there is a structural issue with the home that could require extensive repairs in the future. By getting a general inspection, you can safeguard your money and avoid bad investments that cost you more in the long term.
Four-Point Home Inspections
As the name suggests, a four-point home inspection is focused on four points only and is therefore a lot less extensive than a general home inspection. When you choose this option, your inspector will only have a look at the roofing, the plumbing, the electrical systems, and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. A 4 point inspection is a great option for anyone who is thinking of selling their home because it gives them a better idea of the property’s condition.
It is also often required by insurance companies when a home is more than 30-40 years old. If you want to get homeowners’ insurance, you might have to have a four-point inspection done. It is much cheaper and faster than regular inspections, so it doesn’t disrupt the running of the household to the same extent. In most cases, your inspector will be done within a few minutes or hours.
New Construction Inspections
A new construction inspection focuses on the issues that are often encountered in newly built homes. In some cases, developers begin working with the inspectors even before the property’s foundations are laid. That way, the developers can avoid making costly mistakes that could reduce the value of the property. For instance, they can choose the best orientation, make sure the foundations are solid, and prevent warranty issues.
As the building is constructed, the inspector can return periodically to check that the work is being completed to a high standard. A new construction inspection can also be suitable for home buyers looking to move into a newly built property. In that case, the process will take several hours, and the inspector will look for small issues that can reduce the functionality of the property.
Pool Inspections
Pools have to function well because they can pose a threat to the health and safety of residents if they are faulty or contain dangerous elements. Therefore, you should always get your pool inspected when you move into a new property. Established homeowners should also have an inspector over every few years. Not all home inspectors specialize in pool inspections, so you need to make sure you find someone who is qualified and experienced.
At Hound Dog Home Inspections, we can conduct a thorough examination of your pool and let you know whether any repairs are outstanding. We will begin by walking around the area and looking for any obvious defects. Then, we will check the safety features, make sure the fencing is secure, and check for damage such as leaks and cracks. In addition to the pool itself, we will also examine all the equipment that belongs to it.
Wind Mitigation Inspections
If you equip your home with good windstorm mitigation features, you can get significant credits, and you might no longer have to pay so much for home insurance. Additionally, you are protecting yourself and your family from storms and other natural disasters. During a big storm, wind mitigation features like barriers, anchoring, and window and door coverings can save lives and keep your property standing.
To determine which credits you are eligible for, you will need to have a wind mitigation inspection after you install the above-named safety devices. Your inspector will have a look at the features and let you know whether they are optimized. If not, you will have to upgrade or add new ones to supplement what you already have.
What Happens During a General Home Inspection?
Now you know what types of home inspection services your local professionals offer, you might wonder what happens during the inspection. Although we can give you an estimate of the time your inspection will take, it all depends on the size and complexity of the property and the type of inspection chosen. Most general inspections take two to four hours, but a four-point inspection might only take 30-60 minutes.
Inspecting the Foundation
If you’ve opted for a general inspection, your professional will have a close look at the foundations of your home because this helps them figure out its structural integrity. Some of the things an inspector might look out for are uneven surfaces, decaying materials, or other signs that indicate a faulty foundation. The inspector will also walk through your basement and make sure that it is in good condition.
Inspecting the Outside
A full inspection includes a walk around both the inside and the outside of the property. Your inspector will have a look at various features, including the roof, the rain gutters, the outside walls, and the outside of the windows and doors. Although this can seem daunting if you haven’t renovated your home recently, you shouldn’t worry. An experienced professional can quickly tell whether your home is simply weathered or whether there are real, structural problems.
Inspecting the Inside
After the inspector has looked at the outside of the property, they will walk through every room and make a note of the building’s condition. Issues such as cracks in the walls or ceiling could indicate structural problems, so the inspector will have a closer look. They will also examine your attic, floors, windows, and doors.
Inspecting the Home’s Systems
The general and the four-point inspection both include a look at the home’s most important systems. The inspector will test your electrical components, your plumbing, your heating, your ventilation, and your air conditioning system. This helps them to determine whether any major repairs, such as a boiler replacement, are necessary in the next few years.
Do I Need a Home Inspection?
There are many reasons why you might need a home inspection. Getting your property examined is mandatory for many people who would like to get homeowners’ insurance for an older house. However, it can also be a good idea to have a property looked at if you’re hoping to sell or buy it.
The best way to find out whether an inspection is right for you is to contact professionals and ask them about their services. When you speak to us on the phone, we can find out more about your home and then suggest the most suitable type of inspection.
Call the Experts and Get Peace of Mind
Almost every developer or homeowner needs home inspection services at some point. If you’re currently looking to sell or buy a home, getting the property inspected could be a good first step and give you more information about its current condition and future repair needs. Although having older homes examined is especially important, you should get an inspection done even if your property is brand-new.
Homeowners who have a pool or those who have recently installed windstorm mitigation features can also benefit from the services of a home inspector. Get in touch with us now at Hound Dog Home Inspections to speak to one of our experts.