A home inspection is a critical step in the purchasing process. It can reveal major problems that could cost you money and inconvenience.

It also lets you know about perks that could help you negotiate. A professional home inspection typically takes two to four hours. Home Inspection Colorado Springs CO will inspect the foundation, roof, gutters, and electrical outlets.

Attic

The attic is a great place to find evidence of roof leaks, mold/mildew and condensation that might not be visible in the living spaces of the home. If these problems are not addressed they can cause problems in the living spaces below resulting in high energy costs, poor indoor air quality and moisture damage to ceilings, walls and the structural components of the house.

The inspector will examine the attic for ventilation, adequate insulation and structural integrity. They will also look for leaks, rot, rodent activity, pest droppings and signs of a wood-destroying insect infestation such as termites or carpenter ants. In addition they will check the condition of vents, ducting and attic hatches.

If the attic is uninsulated, they will test its R-value and recommend that it be insulated to help reduce energy bills. The insulation should be properly installed with no gaps or voids. The ductwork should be properly sized and a vapor barrier should be in place.

A well-ventilated attic helps keep the entire house cooler and reduces humidity. It is also important to keep the soffit vents open and free of obstructions.

Make sure that the home inspector has easy access to your attic by removing items blocking the entrance or placing them away from the entrance to prevent them from being stepped on. If the attic is difficult to get into it can take longer and may halt the inspection process. Also ensure that a ladder is available to facilitate the attic inspection. If the ladder is blocked by stored items it should be cleared to allow a safe climbing position. If the attic has no drop down ladder a stepladder should be provided for access.

Basement

A basement is the lowest level of a home and can be finished as a living space or left unfinished. A finished basement will include flooring, walls, and ceiling. Unfinished basements have exposed concrete or plywood walls and floors.

During a home inspection, the inspector will look at the foundation of a basement and make sure there are no cracks or leaks. Water leaks can cause major problems in a basement. They can ruin drywall, damage carpeting and cause mold. Mold poses a health hazard because some types of mold produce mycotoxins. These mycotoxins can lead to nausea, fatigue, lung irritation and headaches. Leaky basements also create a breeding ground for vermin, such as rats, mice, and termites. These vermin can also cause irreparable damage to a home’s structure and foundation.

If a basement has been renovated without a permit, the inspector will note this. A basement renovation done without a permit can lower a home’s value, as potential buyers will want to know that all work was completed properly.

The inspector will check the condition of a home’s basement insulation. This is because, like any other material in a house, it can lose its efficiency over time. Insufficient insulation can cause a colder home in the winter and an uncomfortable home in the summer. In addition, if the insulation is old or damaged, it can harbor moisture particles and provide an entry point for water into the basement.

The inspector will also examine the home’s ductwork and check for any signs of leakage. Cracks in a ductwork can indicate that there is a leak somewhere in the home’s system and that the ductwork needs to be replaced.

Crawl Space

Crawl spaces are a home inspector’s least favorite part of the job. They are dirty, moldy, and can be full of pests and standing water (especially in the summer). The problem with crawl spaces is that they can lead to problems throughout a house if not addressed properly. If mold, pests, or standing water are allowed to build up in a crawl space they can cause significant damage in the foundation of a home and result in major repairs down the line.

As with the attic, it is important for a home inspector to have access to a crawl space in order to perform a proper inspection. If the space is too tight or unsafe for entry, a crawl space inspection will need to be done at another time and cannot be included in the original home inspection.

Once inside a crawl space, the inspector will look for evidence of moisture or rot in wood components such as floor joists and pier beams. He will also check for any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical issues and assess the level of insulation in the area.

When a crawl space has standing water, it is likely that there are issues with the drainage system or exterior landscaping. This can lead to serious problems, like a foundation crack or wood rot. The inspector will also look for any odors or stains in the crawl space and note if there are any signs of pest activity.

A crawl space can be a kind of time capsule, showing the history of renovations and changes to the structure of the home. The inspector will note the age of any pipes or wires in the space as well.

Exterior

Home inspectors look for issues in readily accessible areas of a home, both inside and out. This includes structural features like the foundation, floors and walls; mechanical systems like plumbing and HVAC; and the roof and attic. Inspectors also check for safety items like stairways and handrails, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire sprinklers.

A home’s water management system is another important area that inspectors evaluate. For example, leaking faucets and running toilets can lead to costly repairs if not addressed quickly. Inspectors also look for other problems that can occur due to poor water management, such as flooded basements and overflowing septic tanks.

Inspectors use a variety of tools to assess the condition of a property’s exterior, including visual observations, thermal imaging and moisture readings. They will also check for the presence of insects, rodents and mold. They may even test for radon and asbestos, depending on the customer’s needs.

In addition to assessing the structure and its components, an inspection of the exterior will also include a review of the landscaping and yard. This can help determine the potential for problems such as erosion and drainage issues, tree and shrub overgrowth and improper grading. An inspector will also examine the home’s gutters, downspouts and flashing to make sure that they are functioning properly and routing water away from the house. They will look for clogged gutters and missing kickout flashing, which is a piece of flashing that is bent to redirect bulk water from the roof into the gutter trough and away from the building.

For many home buyers, the exterior of a home is a key factor in whether or not they will purchase it. Unexpected issues found during a home inspection can derail a sale or at least slow down the process until the problems are fixed. In some cases, insurance companies will even void a policy if an unsafe discovery is made during a home inspection.

Interior

Home inspectors may check for a variety of problems inside the home. For example, they might look for signs of water damage and pests, as well as test the electrical system and inspect plumbing. They may also examine the interior walls, floors and ceilings to see if they are damaged or need repair. In some cases, a home inspection may reveal major problems that would cost thousands of dollars to repair. This information can help a buyer decide whether to purchase the property or negotiate with the seller for a lower price.

In addition to the standard home inspection, some inspectors offer additional services, such as radon testing and swimming pool inspections. Others may focus on particular types of buildings, such as condominiums, townhomes or multifamily homes. The home inspection standards of some professional organizations set minimum requirements for these special kinds of inspections.

A home inspector might also perform a special kind of examination called a disaster examination, which is usually done after a natural or man-made disaster. This type of inspection focuses on the extent of damage rather than the quality of all aspects of the house. It is often conducted on houses that have been subsidized by the federal government to ensure that they meet housing quality standards.

When performing a home inspection, the inspector must be able to access all areas of the house. In order to do this, the home must be free of obstructions. This might include furniture, toys, clutter, plants, rugs, wall hangings and equipment. It might also include pets, ice, snow and dirt. The inspector must be able to open and operate all the systems of the house, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning; plumbing; the roof and attic; and the foundation, basement and structural components. If an area is inaccessible or unsafe to inspect, the inspector must note that fact in the report.