5 Things Your Home Inspector Isn’t Looking for

A home inspection is designed to be pretty thorough. It covers everything from the foundation, roof, and flooring to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. By the time it’s over, you should have a clear picture of your home’s condition.

Still, a home inspector isn’t an expert in everything. And because of this, there are a few things your home inspection won’t cover.

In most cases, your inspection is not going to include:

• Toxins – Things like lead paint, mold, radon, asbestos, and carbon monoxide checks are best done by an inspector with specialized training. Look for what are called “environmental inspectors” to cover these potential issues.
• Pests – Your home inspector might notice signs that bugs or other pests are on the property, but they won’t be qualified to tell you what kind, how bad the infestation is, or how to treat it. For a hundred dollars or so, you can usually call any pest company in your area to perform either a pest or WDI (wood destroying insect) inspection.
• Wells and septic tanks – If the home you’re considering uses a septic system or water well, you’ll need a specialized inspector to evaluate them. These systems require intricate knowledge of different tank and plumbing arrangements, and using a trained professional can ensure your water and sewage systems aren’t just working properly — but that they’re safe for you and your loved ones to use, too.
• Pools – A pool inspection is an entirely different inspection in itself. It should include a detailed assessment of the pool’s plumbing, structure, equipment, and water features, and needs to be performed by a certified pool inspector.
• Fireplace and chimney – Aside from a quick peek inside, a regular home inspector isn’t going to do much else for your fireplace and chimney. If you’re worried about the state of your home’s fireplace or plan to use it a lot, make sure to call in a qualified fireplace inspector. They’ll check for any obstructions and make sure the entire structure is in good condition from top to bottom.

If you’re not sure where to get these extra items inspected, start with your general home inspector. They usually have a number of vendors they can recommend for specific inspection needs, and they’ll likely have a few in your exact area they can connect you with.  Want more home buying help? Contact an Embrace home loan officer today.