The home buying process is full of ups and downs. You may go through dozens of homes, placing bids and crossing fingers, only to have your heart broken again. By the time you finally go under contract with a home you love, you may just want to move in and move on. 

When you first sign your contract, your Realtor® will likely advise a home inspection. An inspector will look at various aspects of the home to be sure there are not significant issues with its structure, plumbing, appliances, and other features. In many cases, your contract is contingent on this inspection, meaning you can legally back out of it if any serious defects are found and reported. 

In some cases, a home inspection may be required by your lender. In other cases, it is at your discretion. If it is up to you, you may be tempted to skip it altogether so you can more quickly move into your new house. This is strongly discouraged, however. 

Home inspections can reveal concerns that might cause a new homeowner thousands in repairs, or even pose potential health risks. A 2-3 hour inspection to be sure your home is safe and solid is well worth the price and the time. 

What Do Home Inspectors Look For?

Home inspectors perform a thorough assessment of the exterior and interior of the home. A good inspector should do more than a general walk-through: expect to see them climbing ladders, examining pipes, and taking measurements. 

Exterior Home Inspection

The exterior home inspection will include a quality evaluation of several aspects of the outside of the house, including:

The Roof

The inspector will let you know if there are any serious issues with the roof, such as visibly rotted decking, poorly installed shingles, or a damaged gutter system. They will also make note of any cosmetic issues that could lead to potential problems, such as missing or cracked shingles. 

Exterior Walls

Any cracks, gouges, rot, or missing siding will be noted in the inspection report. Rusted hardware or evidence of pests will also be reported. You will be advised of any minor issues, like peeling paint. 

Garage

Aside from making sure the garage door functions properly, the inspector will examine the framing and ensure proper ventilation. 

Foundation

The inspector will note any red flags with the foundation and inform you if your home is on an appropriate slope for directing water away from the house (this is called “grading”). In the event your home’s grading is not adequate, he or she may recommend you install a drainage system. 

Interior Home Inspection

Inside the home, the inspector will look at:

Fire Protection

The inspector will test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors. If there is an attached garage, the joining wall will be inspected for any damage that could affect its ability to protect against flame spread.  

Electrical System

The inspector will test all outlets and check for potential safety hazards in the electric panel and wiring. Modern electrical systems should include functional ground fault circuit interrupters in rooms where there is a high risk of electrocution, like the bathrooms and kitchen. 

Plumbing

Shower heads, faucets, and other water features will be inspected for any evidence of leaks or damage. The inspector will evaluate the plumbing system by identifying the kind of pipes you have and their general condition. He or she may recommend a specialty plumbing inspection if the pipes appear especially old or corroded. 

Bathrooms

The inspector will make a note of any signs of poor ventilation in the bathroom. He or she will make sure toilets are working and properly secured, and look for leaks. 

HVAC System

The inspector will check to see that your furnace and air conditioner are working as they should. You also will be informed of how the units are and when they might need replacing. 

Water Heater

The water heater will be checked to see if it is secure and installed correctly. If it is in the garage or carport, it should be secured at a minimum height above the floor to keep the gas flame from coming into contact with car exhaust. Your inspector should let you know how old the water heater is and when you should expect to replace it. 

Basement

If your new home has a basement, the inspector will check for potential issues with air quality. Proper ventilation is essential, as is a working radon detector.

What is Not Covered in a Home Inspection?

Home inspectors will not be pulling up carpets or knocking through drywall. They are able to identify common issues through visual inspection only. If they cannot see it, they won’t be reporting on it. This includes:

• Inside pipes

• Inside chimneys

• Behind drywall

• Damage from termites 

• Faulty engineering

• Asbestos

• Mold

What Happens After a Home Inspection?

Once the home inspection is complete, you generally have two options:

1. Back out of the contract. This might be the only course of action if the home is determined to be in significant disrepair or poses a health/safety risk.

2. Ask the seller to make repairs or reduce the asking price. You may also ask the seller for a cash credit to fix the problem yourself. This is a fair request if there are only a few repairs needed, like a broken garage door or an old water heater. 
   
   

In the end, you will need to determine if the repairs necessary are worth your time and money. A licensed Realtor® can help you decide if the results of an inspection are reasonable, or if you should move on. If you are looking to purchase a home in Colorado, contact Jennifer Gaines. Jenn has years of experience buying and selling homes and can help you navigate the inspection process. 

Denver CO Real Estate Jennifer Gaines The REALTOR® that WORKS for you! #thegainesadvantage Specializing in matching people to homes and professional home new build and resale services in Aurora, Castle Rock, Centennial, Parker, Elizabeth, Franktown and surrounding areas. While helping you find the home of your dreams or sell your home for top dollar, your experience will be beyond phenomenal. Get the Gaines Advantage today and call or text me: Jennifer Gaines 303-906-8218 TEXT soldbyjenn TO 85377 to receive my mobile business card.   JenniferGainesReviews