8 Problem Areas Your Home Inspector Might Miss
Homes are like ecosystems: they are made up of dozens of distinct yet deeply interconnected parts. From the foundation grows a jungle-like wooden frame. Electric vines wrap around the frame, and the plumbing system moves in rivers and waterfalls behind your walls. Above the frame is your roof, the forest canopy, and circulating through this ecosystem is climate-controlled air that you maintain with the push of a button.
While your home is worth more than the sum of its parts, the failure of just one part can affect your whole home, leading to large and costly repairs; the intricacy of your home means that a single, general home inspector is unlikely to be able to spot all problems. Fortunately, specialist inspectors are available to help fill the void.
Here are 8 problem areas your home inspector might miss:
Roof
Some general home inspectors are qualified to inspect your roof. Others aren’t. You should talk to your home inspector to make sure that he is qualified to inspect your roof and that he is able to access the roof to perform the inspection.
Chimney
Accessing the inside of your chimney is difficult, so most home inspectors will just peek inside the chimney. However, if you or your home inspector feels that there may be an issue with your chimney, based on external evidence of structural damage or problems with ventilation, it is worthwhile to hire a chimney inspector. Chimney inspectors come equipped with specialized cameras to investigate chimney problems from the inside out.
Geology
Some homes are at greater risk for suffering geological crises than other. If your home is in an area prone to flooding or shifts in the earth, consult a geological inspector to scout out potential pitfalls (literally!). Once potential problems are identified, you can avoid them by reinforcing the structure of your home or designing special drainage systems.
Sewer
A general home inspector is able to test your plumbing above ground. He or she should notice if water is moving slowly down a drain or leaking from a faucet. However, to get a better idea of the state of your sewer system underground, you need a sewer inspector. Sewer inspectors use cameras to survey underground pipes for damage.
Termites
These little bugs can wreak havoc on a home, but evidence of their mischief usually doesn’t appear until it’s too late. Call in a termite inspector to make sure your home does not fall prey to the appetite of termites.
Moisture, mold, and toxin
Mold cannot only damage your house, it can threaten your health. Checking for moisture (which can lead to mold, which can lead to toxins) must be done thoroughly. The inspector should survey all belowground areas, including crawlspace. If your general home inspector is unable to guarantee that these spaces are moisture-free, call a specialist.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a miraculous heat resistant material that turned out to be a big mistake. Prior to 1975, asbestos was added to the material used to insulate ducting, water heaters, and pipes. Later, it was discovered that asbestos posed serious health problems, so if your home was built prior to 1975, you will need an asbestos inspection and removal.
Non-conforming use
Add-ons made by a previous owner to your home may have seemed like a great idea at the time, but they can end up being a headache for you if they were not done according to certain codes and regulations. Your real estate agent and general home inspector should work together to make sure that your home is clear of unsound additions.
Don’t let additional expenses deter you from having your home thoroughly inspected. Problems that may have been easily fixed, if caught early on, can blossom into expensive nightmares if neglected. By investing your money now, you are ensuring that life will be able to flourish in your home for years to come.