Essential Factors To Inspect Before Buying a Home

Becoming a homeowner is exhilarating, but it also comes with tons of important decisions. Whether a home is a new build or a historic property, it can have many problems, from electrical issues to plumbing mishaps. Although your inspector should let you know if something’s wrong, you should be proactive and take matters into your own hands. Discover the essential factors to inspect before buying a home.

Mold

Although the inspector should look at many different factors of the property to ensure functionality and safety, they may or may not notice mold inside the home. Mold can be scary, and it often turns buyers away from a property. Although many types of mold can cause health issues, others are benign. In fact, most homes have some type of mold. Fortunately, mold removal is possible if you catch it before it gets too bad.

Pests or Insects

Pests and insects can cause minor or major issues, depending on the severity of the infestation. A few mice and ants are relatively common in older homes, especially in rural areas. On the other hand, you could have termites tearing up your future home’s structure or bats wreaking havoc on the attic. Whether you see them or not, you should check for pest or insect infestations.

Radon Gas

Radon gas is one of the most harmful substances to have within your home, and you won’t even know it’s there without testing. Believe it or not, you can’t smell, taste, or see this radioactive gas, making it a considerable threat to you and your family. Knowing whether it’s safe to buy a home with high radon levels is essential for making the best decision when it comes to closing the deal on your new home.

Septic System

The septic system is an important part of any home, and you must maintain it in order to handle your family’s waste. The seller should have it pumped before you move in, but you must still ensure it works before closing. Unfortunately, septic systems can be incredibly expensive to fix, and that’s the last thing you want to deal with as a brand-new homeowner.

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are must-haves in any home. The seller may be responsible for providing a disclosure stating that the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functional. Typically, the local fire department will come out to check them and provide the disclosure.

After learning the essential factors to inspect before buying a home, you’re ready to take the next step in the home-buying process. Whether or not it’s your first home, you should be diligent about inspecting all elements of the property for safety and functionality.