Buy a House Fast

Nowadays, it’s standard practice for a home inspection to precede purchasing a house.  Think about it: wouldn’t you want to know as much as possible before making one of the biggest decisions of your life?  The same way you ask for a vehicle history report before buying a used car, you ask for an inspection to know what it is you’re getting yourself into, and to be aware of any red flags (or existing  problems) that may need to be dealt with down the line.

Not always included

What you may not know about the inspection process is that it tends to vary, not only by region but based on the credentials of the inspector.  Be aware that the home won’t always be checked for the following:  asbestos, radon, methane, radiation and formaldehyde, wood-destroying organisms (like termites), mold, mildew and fungi, rodents, or lead.  Many of the items on this list require specific licenses to identify and flag.

What to expect

By and large, home inspections WILL pay close attention to the following:  structural elements (ceilings, walls floors, foundation etc), the home’s exterior (grading, wall coverings, landscaping etc), the roof and attic, plumbing, systems and components (AC, heat, ducts etc), the electrical, the garage and all appliances.
While the inspection won’t always provide you with the exact condition of each of these features, it will let you know which are defective and could potentially be hazardous to your health.