When you buy a home, you want the home to be free of defects and problems and at least be aware of any issues that exist in and around the property. No home can be perfect all the time, and moisture, regular aging of components, and outside weather are always working on a home's structure and quality. But because you can hire a professional inspector to look through the home before you sign at the final closing, you can reveal any issues before you take ownership. Here are a few important areas you should look at during your professional home inspection.
Moisture Problems
Moisture problems inside a home are one of the most common issues that plague homeowners. The problem with moisture is that it can originate from several different places, which can be from outside rainfall to interior water or sewer lines. Your home inspector can check the home's interior for any signs of moisture to make sure your home is not going to need repair for moldy and water-damaged materials.
Your home inspector will check up in the attic for signs of moisture leaks that in the roof, vents, and chimney if the home has one. They will be able to use an infrared detector to find extreme changes in temperature on surfaces, which can indicate a moisture leak behind the wall if the wall is finished and does not have any outward appearance of moisture damage.
They will also be able to check for moisture leaks and damage in the basement and around the foundation. Moisture damage in a crawlspace or in a storage space under the stairs, for example, can be thoroughly checked before you take ownership. If any moisture damage or problems are found by your professional inspector, you can take these issues to the seller to remedy them or renegotiate your purchase contract.
Drainage Around the Exterior
In addition to moisture problems inside the home, you should look at the inspection of the drainage around the outside of the home. The drainage from the home's roof gutter and downspouts should be functioning properly so that the ground around the foundation does not become saturated during and after a rainstorm. Too much saturation will exert pressure on the foundation and may cause cracks that allow moisture to seep in through tiny cracks and crevices.
Your home inspector can evaluate the condition of the gutter system to make sure the gutters are connected properly and with the right slope. And they will make sure all downward roof edges are collecting rainfall properly and diverting it down and away from the foundation with adequate downspouts and diverter systems.
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