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What A Home Inspection Should Tell You

There are a number of decisions you need to make when buying a house, and one of the wisest ones you can make is to find out all that you can about a home you are considering by ordering a home inspection on the property. This makes good sense, even when you are looking at a relatively new home. The cost of this service is worth the peace of mind that it provides.

Valuable Information you Will Discover from a Home Inspection

1. Plumbing Issues

You may not rank plumbing problems high on your list of potential defects, but if the house you are looking at has old or incompatible plumbing materials or faulty fixtures, it can be expensive to fix the issue. Old water heaters may not be able to supply enough hot water for your family.

2. Problems with the Heating System

Heating ducts may have deteriorated with age and need replacement. You will also want to know about blocked chimneys, unsafe exhaust disposal issues, and broken or malfunctioning controls.

3. Roof Concerns

Roof leakage, caused by old or damaged shingles, or improperly installed flashing, can happen frequently to homes. Find out how old the home’s roof is (it may not be the same age as the house) so you know when it may need to be replaced). Asphalt shingles usually have a lifespan of between 15-20 years.

4. Interior Air Quality Difficulty

When older homes were being built, energy conservation was not an issue. The home inspector will pay special attention to conservation measures that homeowners may or may not have installed over the years. A home needs to be energy efficient, but it must also be able to breathe. Over-sealing will lead to excessive interior moisture and cause issues with mould, bacteria and fungi, which will create an unhealthy indoor environment.

5. Wet Basement Situation

A damp basement may be the first sign of spring for some homeowners, but it is not a positive one. Condensation on the basement windows resulting in frame rot or a musty smell in the basement are not good signs; they indicate excessive moisture and may be a sign of mould and mildew.

A home inspection is just one part of buying a home. To work with experienced realtors who can lead you through the process every step of the way, contact Daniel and Bonnie Wan today.

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