We already gave you a complete home inspection checklist so you’re aware of what’s usually looked at, but it’s also important to know about all the things that typically aren’t included. This way if you have any extra concerns, you can bring in another professional to inspect further.
1. Termite & Pest Report
One would think this is important enough to be pretty high up on your typical home inspection list, but it’s not. Unfortunately, if you want your home to be inspected for pests or termites you have to hire a licensed termite inspector separately.
Detecting termites early on can save you from years of expensive and sometimes irreparable damage. A termite inspector will provide you with a report listing any damage or infestations. Preventions from future infestations or repair for current ones can be discussed between you and the seller as a result of the inspection.
2. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Since not many home inspectors are qualified to inspect fire alarm or carbon monoxide detectors, you can hire a licensed contractor to come in to make sure they are functioning and up to code.
Knowing the system’s age and maintenance history can help you determine things such as when you’ll need to replace batteries or calibrate alarm sensors.
3. Code Compliance
A home inspection isn’t a code inspection—they won’t “pass” or “fail” a home for having aspects that aren’t compliant with code revisions. For example, if the home you’re looking has a railing that was built before a new code says it’s too short, your home inspector isn’t required to alert you of it.
However, a home inspector should have the word “safety” in mind, so they’ll probably let you know if they see something potentially dangerous or outdated in the current code.
4. Pools & Hot Tubs
Buying a property with a pool can create a handful of fun memories for you and your family and can also increase the value of your home. But maintenance can get pricy pretty quick—especially if you don’t get it looked at before any possible problems worsen.
Hiring a certified pool builder from an professional company is the way to go, since they’re familiar with the complicated parts and equipment of the pool (like pumps, heaters, and filters).Testing the plumbing for possible leaks is also something your pool inspector should do.
5. Mold Inspection And Asbestos, Radon, And Lead Screening
None of these things are pretty, but they do tend to show up in homes ever so often, and testing for them is a huge health precaution. Radon’s odorless presence can be deadly, some mold spores are carcinogens, asbestos exposure can inflame the lungs, and lead paint is especially a no-no when there are children around.
Presence of any of these dangers shouldn’t scare you off from buying an older home—but it is important to get a professional to remediate mold and assess and test for any other hazardous materials before signing on that dotted line.
6. Detached Structures
A home inspection is typically just that, a home inspection. If there’s a shed, garage, or any recreational equipment (like a playground) on the property, chances are they won’t be looked at in your average complete inspection.
Many companies will inspect detached structures for an added fee depending on the size of the structures and the time it takes.
7. Home Security Inspection
Although your general home inspector will likely take a look at locks on the main doors and windows, they probably won’t do a thorough inspection that looks at your property’s safety as a whole.
A professional (or sometimes even your local police department) will come in and look at potential “problem areas” where your home may be under-protected, like doors, windows, any separate entries, garage, trees near your home, and outdoor lighting.
