Whether you’re buying a house, condo or apartment, a home inspection is one of the most important steps in the process. A thorough inspection will give you a good idea of what kinds of repairs and upgrades need to be made before you make an offer on your dream home. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about what makes that building tick—both literally (in terms of its structure) and figuratively (its energy usage).
Do I Really Need to Arrange a Home Inspection?
It’s important to have an inspection because it helps you know what kind of shape the house is in and whether or not it’s worth buying, especially if you’re a first time home buyer. A professional inspector will look at everything from plumbing and electrical issues to potential structural problems so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this place is right for you.
With that in mind, here is everything you need to look out for during a plumbing inspection in the pre-purchase stage of the homebuying journey.
Water Temperature And Hot Water Availability
- Hot water temperature. Check the hot water temperature for a few minutes to ensure it’s not too low or high.
- Hot water pressure. Water pressure should be between 20 and 80 psi, although anything above 50 psi is considered acceptable. The average home has a water pressure of 42-55 psi, but that can vary depending on the number of people living in the home. As you might expect, a larger home with many occupants will have lower pressure than a smaller one with few residents. If your water pressure is low, it could be caused by an old water heater or clogged pipes. .
- Hot water availability: Your home inspector will want to know if there are any issues with getting hot water at all times of day (and night) so they can recommend solutions if necessary! You may even want to consider purchasing a separate tankless heater just for emergencies so you always have access to heat when needed most — especially during winter months when temperatures drop well below freezing levels.
Foundation and basement (if applicable)
- Inspect the foundation for cracks, loose mortar and other signs of structural damage.
- Check for water damage. This can indicate that leaks have occurred, which may lead to more serious problems in the future.
- Inspect the basement (if applicable) for signs of termite damage or rodents chewing through insulation or flooring materials that could compromise structural support within walls and ceilings above.
- Look closely at any interior walls or floors where you know there has been water intrusion in order to determine whether mould or mildew has developed due to this exposure.
Are All The Drains Free Of Debris And Work Properly?
- Are all the drains free of debris and working properly?
- Does the sink drain quickly, and does it flush completely when you push down the lever? If not, there’s a problem. The drain may be partially clogged or broken altogether.
- Do the toilets flush correctly and completely? Do not be afraid to try this yourself if you don’t want to wait for your inspector! It’s an easy way to rule out any problems with your plumbing system before they get worse.
Plumbing Pipes
- Check for leaks.
- Look for rust or corrosion. If you see any, this could mean there’s a leaky pipe that needs to be repaired or replaced before it causes damage to your home’s foundation and interior.
- Check the condition of the pipes. Look at their size, type, and location within your home—all of these factors will determine how efficiently they function and whether they need to be replaced in the near future.
- Look for signs of damage or wear: discoloration, cracks, holes, or gaps in pipes; stains along walls where plumbing is located; leaks from joints (if there are some). This can indicate an issue with water pressure that should be addressed immediately so as not to cause further damage over time!
The Roof
The roof is one of the most important aspects of your home, so it’s important to get a thorough inspection. Check for leaks, cracks and damage. Check for missing or loose shingles, flashing and vent pipes.
HVAC System
- Cleanliness of the ductwork. If you can see dirty ductwork in your home, that’s a sign of a problem. While cleaning the inside of your air conditioner will help to remove any dust or pollen that has accumulated there, if you notice crud on your vents (or worse yet, mold growth!), it could be an indication that there’s moisture trapped inside the ducts and that mould may have begun to grow. This is not only unsightly but also unhealthy for any occupants who breathe this air. It’s important to remember that some moisture in your home’s HVAC system is normal—but it can also indicate problems with humidity levels or low-performance equipment which need attention from a professional technician before they get worse.
- Condition of furnace or boiler: Your furnace or boiler should be inspected annually by professionals who specialise in heating systems as part of their routine maintenance schedule, typically between October and April depending on how cold/hot it gets where you live. An inspection will ensure these systems are working properly and are not posing any safety risks due to corrosion or cracks in metal components such as pipes or radiators; this could prevent future repairs costing thousands instead of hundreds at first glance when something goes wrong unexpectedly!
We hope this inspection checklist has been a helpful guide for you as you prepare to make one of the biggest investments of your life: buying a home. For most people, buying a home is more than just about the house itself. It’s also about making memories with friends and family; creating places where you can relax after a long day at work and not worrying about any major hazards occurring in your home. Prevention is easier than recovery, after all.
