Home inspections are one of the most important decisions in purchasing an older home. There are many issues that may affect the livability, value of the home and cost of ownership.
Real estate brokers tend to categorize inspections in three areas:
Health and safety issues
Sometimes, home inspections yield potentially dangerous health hazards. It is best to understand the impact these hazards make and the potentially serious consequences from these issues. For these reasons, health and safety issues top the list of inspection objections.
Mold is one of the hazards that frequents homes. Mold spores are natural. They grow in moist areas and are in the air of every home. There are concerns if mold is left untended. It can cause headaches, illnesses, eye irritation and rashes.
The second issue with mold is the disintegration of wood; long-term mold exposure may affect the structural integrity of a home.
Asbestos may also be found in building materials in homes. If left unchecked, it can cause cancer and lung problems. The most common areas we see asbestos in our area is insulation, siding and shingles.
Structural
Structural issues in a home vary in seriousness. We often see water in the crawl space or leaks in a home that may lead to bigger issues. Also consider cracks – any cracks in stucco or siding and any foundation issues – as those may be indicative of a more serious problem. Roof issues tend to top home inspection lists, as well, as they can cause leaks, and, in our area, ice dams can be an issue.
Termite damage affects the structural integrity of a home and should be fixed. Other heating, plumbing and electrical issues should all be taken into consideration. Overall, structural damage to a home should be weighed for both the impact to the home and cost in repairs. Structural issues usually will be addressed in an inspection objection.
Minor issues
A home inspection may also yield more minor issues to fix, such as cracked windows, torn carpet, a broken garage door, etc. Typically, these issues are easier to fix, although they still carry a cost. Buyers and sellers negotiate these issues before the sale.
Home inspections shed light on important factors to know before purchasing a home. Buyers should take the inspection process seriously and rely on the expertise of their home inspector to guide them. Sellers should be aware of these inspection items and take care to fix items before they arise. Routine maintenance may alleviate some issues for a smoother inspection process, and we still recommend preinspections for homes more than a few years old. Note that home inspectors are not required to have certifications, so you should choose an inspector based on building knowledge and experience coupled with home-inspection experience in the area.
Don Ricedorff is a Realtor at The Wells Group in Durango, and a past president of the Durango Area Association of Realtors. He can be reached at don@durangorealproperty.com.
