Finding a flawless home to spend the rest of your life in must be exciting. But this excitement can be overshadowed by different issues you must look for.
We understand that an untrained eye can’t see issues that are not visible. That’s where home inspectors help you.
You need to pick the best home inspectors in Houston to avoid any hassles in the long run. Your inspectors should be qualified professionals who know what to look for and where. You know, not all home inspectors are trained that way. These inspectors know potential red flags a home might be subject to. And reveal those issues that can indicate bigger problems.
When searching for a home inspector, find one who is licensed, experienced, and detail-oriented. You would want someone who will take the time to inspect your property meticulously. And draw attention to any defects or safety hazards.
Your ideal inspector will provide you with a comprehensive written report with photos documenting any areas of concern.
GreenWorks is here to walk you through those red flags that every home inspector in Houston, TX, should consider. This may include looking for structural, plumbing, electrical, or roofing issues. Your inspectors will also assess in-depth problems like moisture or water damage or signs of pest infestations.
So, without further ado, let’s get started with…
Red Flags Your Home Inspector in Houston, TX, Should Consider
Your home inspectors must go the extra mile to identify existing or potential issues in your selected home. This may include checking issues with your structural components. And with the functional elements such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical issues. Let’s discuss each point in detail.
Structural Issues
Structural issues like cracks in foundations and settling can be incredibly costly to fix. So, your inspector should thoroughly examine the home’s structural elements for any signs of damage. This may include foundations, floors, walls, and ceilings.
They will look for cracks wider than 1/4 inch in the foundation. Or check it for settlement cracks in walls, which often appear in a stair-step pattern. They’ll also assess your floors for significant slopes or walls that appear to bow inward or are no longer perfectly vertical.
These are the red flags that indicate structural issues that need further evaluation. The inspectors should also look for signs of improper structural renovations done in the past. Such as load-bearing walls that were removed without proper support.
Plumbing Problems
Faulty plumbing issues that go unaddressed can lead to significant problems. For instance, water damage, mold growth, rotting subfloors, and expensive repairs.
Your inspectors should fully test all plumbing fixtures. They can do that by turning on all faucets and shower heads, flushing every toilet, and checking under sinks for any drips or leaks.
After this basic testing, they will look for red flags like low water pressure, corroded or rusted pipes, slow drains, and improper installations. The inspectors should point out if the home has older galvanized steel pipes or polybutylene piping. Both of which are now known to be problematic and prone to leakage.
Electrical Problems
Your electrical system must be inspected thoroughly not only for proper functionality but also for your family’s safety. The inspectors should remove cover plates and thoroughly examine all wiring. They will be looking for any signs of overload, aluminum wiring, improper grounding, spark gaps, knob-and-tube wiring, or other fire hazards.
If you have outdated fuse boxes, the inspectors will suggest replacing them with modern circuit breakers. Any wiring that is not protected by conduit should be flagged.
The inspectors should test a sample of outlets and switches for functionality and loose connections. They’ll check for any lights, equipment, or outlets that are not working properly and determine if the home’s overall amperage rating suits a modern family.
Signs of Pest Infestations
Your inspector should closely examine the interior and exterior of your home. They will look for signs of wood-destroying pests such as termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles.
There are many red flags that indicate a pest attack in your home. The best home inspectors in Houston will look for those signs of pest infestations. Such as exit holes in exposed wood, sawdust piles near joints or wood surfaces, and sections of damaged or hollowed-out sheetrock.
For these red flags, your inspector should look in crawl spaces, unfinished basements, attics, and around doors or windows. Tenting, fumigation, or foundation repairs may be recommended. Getting an inspection and estimate from a licensed pest control specialist is also advisable before purchase.
Roofing Issues
The roof is one of the elements that need more attention and can cost more time and again. That’s why considering a qualified home inspector in Houston TX, becomes a one-time deal. This means you’ll not have to spend a fortune on repetitive repairs and replacements.
The inspectors will start by checking the overall condition of your roof. They’ll assess the roofing material, estimated age, installation method, and any exterior water penetration.
More specifically, they should look for any cracked, broken, or missing shingles or tiles. They’ll verify if there is any damaged roof flashing, raised nails, and sagging or worn gutters. Which can lead to further water intrusion.
HVAC System Issues
Your home inspectors should thoroughly examine the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system for its physical and working condition. They’ll check the further fixtures of your HVAC unit. This may include assessing the furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork.
The inspectors should verify the age and condition of all HVAC components. And check for leaks, test air flow from vents, and confirm the system was properly installed.
If the unit is approaching or exceeding its average lifespan, it should be flagged. Because replacements can cost you a fortune. The inspectors should also check filters, drip pans, ventilation, and distribution to ensure optimal efficiency.
They should also look for any missing or improper insulation in ducts or air leaks.
The Bottom Line
Putting the discussion in a nutshell, you should choose a qualified and certified home inspector in Houston, TX, who can identify the red flags we discussed. We outlined all those issues that might exist already in your chosen home. Or may occur in the long run after you move in.
If you go for one of the best home inspectors in Houston, you can easily identify defects or flaws in the structural and functional elements of the home. Based on their findings, you can take suggestions or seek a proper solution.
Go through our blog section to learn everything about inspections.
