6-Types of Home Inspections When Buying a Home

A typical home inspection offers a comprehensive report on the home you want to purchase, but it doesn’t only express some things. Depending on the age, position, and state of the house you’re seeing, you may require extra inspections.

Home inspections are generally recommended before buying a home, but savvy buyers may schedule specialty inspections for older or specific features.

Here, we will discuss six types of home inspections when buying a home.

Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspection

More frequently known as termite inspection, it is a wood-destroying organism inspection. It guarantees your future home has yet to have six-legged occupants. The most dangerous pests are termites, wood-boring beetles, and carpenter ants, although WDO inspectors will also search for fungal-caused dry rot.

To close on a home, many states need a WDO inspection; even in other states, counties or towns can rely on one. Regardless of location, a WDO inspection can be necessary if you’re using a VA or FHA loan.

A WDO inspection aims to identify active, past, and potential infestation signs. You’ll get a report with detailed findings and suggestions for termite control and addressing any issues.

Plumbing and Sewer Inspections

A distinctive inspection observes a home’s plumbing to some extent, like a visual analysis of pipe connections and fixtures. Sometimes, a more detailed look is required.

Suppose anything appears a bit hazardous or unusual during an overall home examination. A specific plumbing and sewer inspection using a scope can reveal drainage issues, blockages, and other expensive problems.

Lead-based Paint Inspection

Lead is a naturally occurring dangerous metal that can cause numerous health concerns to humans. Lead exposure can lead to distinct health issues, including damage to blood cell production, calcium absorption, muscle movements, and kidney and brain damage.

The CDC notes that children are particularly susceptible to lead exposure. At the same time, the substance can also cause damage to pregnant women and their unborn offspring.

A lead inspector will execute a visual inspection and search the property for chipped or peeling paint during a lead-based paint inspection. The inspector gathers paint samples from each room, typically paint chips or dust wipes, and assesses them in a lab.

Chimney Inspection

A chimney inspection can identify potential issues in the firebox or flue, such as buildup or blockages. Homeowners can address these issues before closing the home. Like all inspections, the inspector will visually evaluate external cracks or damage in the mortar. He also clears the chimney of creosote accumulation (a derivative of burning wood) that can combusting if left untreated.

This home inspection aiming to prevent the chimney fires and smoke or odours from seeping inside a home during colder months.

Pest inspection

Pests can be a source of permanent damage to the property that is expensive to change. A general home inspection may display parts of damage that may attract these undesirable guests. A qualified professional can identify the presence of pests like termites, carpenter ants, rodents, and spiders in your home, including their size and duration.

Conducting an early pest inspection saves you from potential infestations and signifies your investment in pest removal from home.

Asbestos Inspection

Until the late 1980s, asbestos was a common ingredient in residential building materials like paint, tiles, roofing, etc. Investigators revealed that contact with asbestos, when damaged, can cause chest pain, breathing issues, and abdominal pain, causing health problems.

However, asbestos is only harmful when disturbed, and its fibres are released into the air, which can occur during home improvement projects. Home inspectors typically identify asbestos-like material as asbestos-like due to its identification under a microscope. Testing for asbestos is dangerous, so professionals use specialised tools to cut into materials and gather samples.

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