Commonly Missed Red Flags during Home Inspections

                So you’ve just bought your first home – a rather exciting time for you! But before you get started on moving your things and settling in, you must first have your new home inspected. This will come in handy in the long run, as a home inspection will prevent future nuisances from occurring. There are some issues, however, that even the most seasoned home inspector may not see. Below are some commonly missed red flags during home inspections.

1.       A faulty sewer system. This can be hard to spot, as it may not be noticeable at first glance. This includes sewer lines that are blocked or damaged. While your home inspector may test the plumbing, the problem may not show itself until later on after you’ve moved in and plumbing is used on a regular basis. Make sure your inspector checks the drain pipes and if any trees or plants interfere with the sewage line.

2.       A failing HVAC system. This too can be hard to determine; the system make work fine during certain temperatures/seasons and fail during others. Home inspectors can bring HVAC inspectors along with them; however the problem may be resolved as easily as buying a new HVAC.

3.       A damaged furnace. HVAC inspectors are certainly needed for this assessment. These can crack over time and are more prone to that if over 10 years old.

4.       Electrical issues. It’s always best, and safer, to have an electrician come and inspect your home. Faulty wiring can be extremely dangerous and it’s always best to have your home checked beforehand to prevent possibly losing your home due to an electrical fire.

5.       Poor foundation. The home inspector can only alert you of issues that can be seen. While they can point out missing shingles and other physical damages to your roofing and foundation, a licensed structural engineer will be able to thoroughly inspect the home and estimate the cost of any repairs needed.

6.       Leaking pipes. Keep in mind that when an inspector comes to check the plumbing, the water system may have gone unused for quite some time. Therefore, leaks are easily missed. They will appear, however, once you start using your plumbing system on a daily basis. While you can check for leak stains and leaky pipes in certain areas of your home, a licensed plumber can check all areas and alert you of any issues.