Inspections are a critical part of the purchasing process for both residential homes and commercial properties. A home inspector can complete both types of inspections and ensure that there are no structural or safety issues present that might be lurking behind the walls or over your head. What things do professionals look for and examine during a home inspection or commercial inspection?
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
During a home inspection, the HVAC system will be carefully examined. This includes the air conditioner, ducts, furnace, and thermostat. This part of the inspection is critical, as it can identify signs of carbon monoxide or gas leaks that could put your health at immediate risk. Beyond the visual inspection, the home inspector will turn on the heater or air conditioner to confirm the air is being warmed or cooled.
The Electrical System
The electrical system can present serious and fatal hazards to people inside of a home or business, so it’s a key part of a commercial inspection. The property inspector will look at visible wiring, check for insulation, and confirm that no landscaping features are near the wires. The electrical panel will also be inspected to confirm that the main breaker has enough amperage for the electrical needs of the house or building and that there are breakers instead of fuses.
A Home Inspection Includes the Plumbing System
A home inspector will take time in looking over every component of the plumbing system, as well as areas of the home that might show signs of water damage that indicate additional plumbing issues. The toilets, bathtubs, sinks, pipes, showers, and other parts of the plumbing system will all be tested to ensure proper operation.
The Roof Is a Key Part of any Inspection
Roofing is expensive to replace, so understanding the condition of a roof before purchasing a property is essential. If the roof is safe to stand on, the home inspector will examine the flashing, gutters, and shingles. Whether it is a residential or commercial roof, the inspector will also confirm the roof is able to hold heavy systems that are placed on it, like the HVAC system.
Doors and Windows
Doors and windows can cost you money every day if they are not carefully sealed, as air-conditioned or heated air will leave your property and go outside. During the inspection, every window, door, window frame, and door frame will be checked. The inspector will also confirm that every room meets window and door code requirements, like bedrooms having at least one working window.
The Foundation and Home Exterior
No home or building is safe to occupy if it is built on an unstable or broken foundation. Inspectors will look at the foundation itself and the exterior for signs of potential problems, including:
Chimney leaning away from the house
Cracked steps
Sunken porch or deck
Cracks in the ceiling, walls, or drywall
Doors and windows that don’t close properly or that are hard to close
Uneven flooring
And more!
Foundation issues can be very expensive to remedy, so many homeowners and business owners will elect to purchase a different property instead if issues are uncovered.
Why Are Inspections So Valuable?
A commercial inspection or home inspection should never be waived during the purchasing process. Most buyers will be able to spot obvious issues, like staining on the ceiling or water dripping from a pipe. However, they are not trained in how to spot subtle problems or things that look normal but are actually signs of serious issues.
When it comes to inspections, what you don’t know can hurt you. Problems with a roof or the foundation are often extremely expensive to repair. Other types of issues, like wiring problems or mold in the vents, can lead to health hazards that compromise your safety and well-being. A home inspector understands the many different code requirements and restrictions that every property needs to satisfy.
Whether you are preparing to purchase a property or have not performed maintenance and many years and want to understand what needs to be done to make your home safe again, a home inspector is able to help.
