If you’re buying a home, it’s important to have a thorough inspection. While no house is perfect, an inspector home can help you identify issues that could be costly or stressful to deal with in the future.

Ask your real estate agent for recommendations and be sure to attend the inspection. You’ll learn a lot about the property and have important information to negotiate with the seller.

Roof

During an inspection, an inspector takes a look at the readily accessible parts of your home’s structure and mechanical systems like heating and cooling. He checks things like if the foundation is stable, if there are any signs of water or fire damage and if the roof and the structural elements of your home are in good condition.

Inspectors usually don’t test for radon, mold or insect infestation as those can require special equipment and training that is beyond their scope. And they also don’t take on dangerous tasks like climbing onto steep roofs to check for issues.

A good home inspector can show you how to shut off your gas and electric switches and point out where to find your hydrant in case of an emergency. He can also give you some basic maintenance tips that will keep your house in top shape.

Foundation

If you are worried about the condition of your home’s foundation, you can hire a professional to check it. A qualified inspector should have a thorough understanding of building structures and their functions, as well as experience with local soil conditions and seismic activity.

A foundation inspection is usually a visual examination that covers the exterior and interior of your home. The inspector looks for signs of a failing or damaged foundation, including cracks in the walls and brick; diagonal or stair-step cracking; gaps in window frames; leaking windows; and sagging or loose trim.

A professional can also inspect the crawlspace under your house for moisture problems, which could cause damage to the foundation. A crawlspace should be dry and free of any odors.

Interior

A good inspector will not only look at the major systems of the home, but will also point out some basic maintenance tasks. They may check kitchen appliances or make sure the laundry room is properly vented (to prevent a fire hazard).

Home buyers should attend their home inspections, and they should be prepared to discuss any issues found with their real estate agents. They should also be ready to negotiate with the seller if problems are discovered — though it’s important not to give sellers a laundry list of repairs that could easily turn them off.

A home inspector should substantially adhere to InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice, which outlines what should be covered during a general home inspection. But be aware that different inspectors may include or exclude items from these standards.

Plumbing

During an inspection, a home inspector will carefully examine the plumbing to ensure it works as intended. They’ll notice any cracks or leaks that indicate current or potential problems, such as a water heater that might break down during the winter or a crawl space that might flood during rainy weather.

They’ll also make sure the main water shut-off valve is easily accessible; that faucets and shower heads are functioning properly; that the washer-dryer venting system isn’t a fire hazard and that all outlets are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters. In addition, they’ll look for outdated piping materials that could pose health risks to the home’s residents. This way, they’ll be less likely to face claims related to plumbing issues after their inspections.

Electrical

When it comes to electrical work, home inspectors must be on the lookout for outdated practices that could pose safety risks. For example, older homes may have knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch circuit wiring that should be updated to avoid fire hazards. Some insurance companies may refuse to insure such homes. Inspectors will also look for GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms and make sure that there are enough outlet spaces throughout the house.

In addition, an inspector will look at the condition of the electrical box and ensure that it is large enough to hold the number of wire conductors it’s designed to hold. They will also double-check that all visible wiring is up to code, including proper wire gauge for the intended load (e.g., 15-amp circuits should use 14-gauge wire).