A home inspector is a professional who checks the safety of a home. Home inspectors search for defects or other problems on the home's structure, construction, and mechanical systems. A home inspection typically takes place after a purchase contract between the buyer and seller has been signed.

Hidden Home Defects to Watch For

No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for:
1. Water leaks. Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements or attics.
2. Shifting foundations. Look for large cracks along the home’s foundation.
3. Drainage. Look for standing water, either around the foundation of the home or in the yard.
4. Termites. Look for weakened or grooved wood, especially near ground level.
5. Worn roofs. Look for broken or missing copings and buckled shingles as well as water spots on ceilings.
6. Inadequate wiring. Look for antiquated fuse boxes, extension cords (indicating insufficient outlets), and outlets without a place to plug in the grounding prong.
7. Plumbing problems. Very low water pressure, banging in pipes.

How Comprehensive Is Your Home Warranty?

Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered:
Plumbing, Electrical Systems, Water Heater, Furnace, Heating Ducts, Water Pump, Dishwasher, Stove/Cooktop/Ovens, Microwave, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer, Swimming Pool (may be optional).
Also check to see if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item.

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.
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, drywall 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.