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Home inspections are
crucial before finalizing any real estate purchase The purpose of a
home inspection for a home in Sherwood or the surrounding area is to evaluate the physical condition of the home for sale and identify anything that needs to be repaired or replaced as well as
to estimate the remaining useful life of the structure’s components. One thing those home buying and remodeling
shows have taught the masses is that home
inspections can reveal many things in a seemingly-safe house.
Appraisals are different than inspections
An appraisal is for a
lender to estimate the value of the Sherwood area home,
and to make sure it meets
minimum FHA standards. As a home buyer, it is your responsibility to
inspect the home for problems before closing. Radon specific testing is
also recommended above and beyond your standard home inspection.
Basic checklist of what your home inspection should cover
Siding: Look for dents or buckling
Foundations: Look for cracks or water seepage
Exterior Brick: Look for cracked bricks or mortar pulling away from bricks
Insulation: Look for condition, adequate rating for climate (the higher the R value, the more effective the insulation is)
Doors and Windows: Look for loose or tight fits, condition of locks, condition of weatherstripping
Roof: Look for age, conditions of flashing, pooling water, buckled shingles, or loose gutters and downspouts
Ceilings, walls, and moldings: Look for loose pieces, dry wall that is pulling away.
Porch/Deck: Loose railings or step, rot
Electrical: Look for condition of fuse box/circuit breakers, number of outlets in each room
Plumbing: Look for poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots or corrosion that indicate leaks, sufficient insulation
Water Heater: Look for age, size adequate for house, speed of recovery, energy rating.
Furnace/Air Conditioning:
Look for age, energy rating. Furnaces are rated by annual fuel
utilization efficiency; the higher the rating, the lower your fuel
costs. However, other factors such as payback period and other operating
costs, such as electricity to operate motors.
Garage: Look for exterior in good repair; condition of floor—cracks, stains, etc.; condition of door mechanism.
Basement: Look for water leakage, musty smell.
Attic: Look for adequate ventilation, water leaks from roof.
Septic Tanks (if applicable): Adequate absorption field capacity for the percolation rate in your area and the size of your family.
Driveways/Sidewalks: Look for cracks, heaving pavement, crumbling near edges, stains.
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