Homebuyers should seek professional assistance before purchasing any property, to conduct an in-depth inspection that can reveal repairs needed, oversights by builders and the regular upkeep needed for good health of a house.
General building inspectors Melbourne usually inspect: electrical and wiring components; roof, attic and visible insulation; windows and doors (including those painted shut), with permanent paint jobs that render them permanently sealed shut; as well as foundational elements of a property.
Exterior
Home inspectors review all accessible exterior areas, such as roof (and shingles), foundation, fences, driveways and grading. They check for problems such as broken windows or doors that don’t close properly which could become costly if left ignored.
Inspectors also examine gutters and downspouts to make sure that water is flowing away from the house rather than pooling around its foundation, where high grades may cause it to pool around and pool as it collects, thus potentially leading to wood rot and basement flooding.
Inspectors also conduct an electrical service drop inspection for proper clearance over walkways, stairs and fire escapes; install GFCI outlets where needed; and look for signs of water penetration into lighting fixtures. Sheds or outbuildings are not typically included as part of a general home inspection, however additional inspection services can be offered for an additional fee.
Interior
Inspectors conduct a comprehensive interior home inspection, looking for leaks in plumbing fixtures, ceiling damage that might indicate structural issues and an absence of insulation in attics. They also verify whether heating vents work and that there are working smoke alarms and fire alarms.
Inspectors conduct kitchen checks to make sure that dishwashers and stoves operate efficiently as well as making sure all outlets are protected with ground fault circuit interrupters. They will also assess all rooms and bathrooms to see whether toilets, showers, sinks and bathtubs are functioning as intended.
General home inspectors don’t typically test for hidden pests, asbestos or mold that require more specific inspection. Furthermore, general inspectors don’t inspect swimming pools or septic tanks by default but these extra inspections can be added at your request.
Foundation
Your foundation is the heart of your home, so regular inspection is vital to its security. Additionally, this inspection can make your house more appealing to buyers when selling it.
An expert structural inspector checks for signs of foundation issues such as cracks, bulging floors and sloped surfaces to compile reports detailing his or her findings.
At least annually, homeowners or those considering buying should get a home foundation inspection by an established pro to make sure that their foundation remains safe to live in. You can find one in your local area here or get free, no-commitment project estimates from top pros here.
Plumbing
An inspector will perform an exhaustive assessment of your plumbing system to detect any leaks, check faucets and shower heads for proper functionality, inspect water heater performance as well as looking out for signs of leaking or water damage.
They will also inspect your electrical system and test accessible outlets to look for ground circuit interrupters and working smoke detectors. Furthermore, they might take time to examine heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to make sure that they’re performing efficiently.
General home inspections typically do not cover additional services like testing for radon or mold; these services can be added for an additional fee as agreed between parties involved. Furthermore, general home inspections don’t usually include garage or shed inspection.
Electrical
Electricity in a home is essential for lighting, appliances, and heating needs, yet also poses a severe fire hazard; lighting and electrical distribution equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires.
Inspectors evaluate all visible wiring systems, such as any GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupter) in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. GFCI outlets are designed to detect when water enters their circuit and cut off electricity flow if they detect moisture present, thus protecting from shocks or fire.
Home inspectors also assess a home’s electrical panel to see whether it has safer fuses instead of circuit breakers, noting any trees that might interfere with wires and making sure there is sufficient capacity in its panel to meet both current and future demands.