What Do St. Louis Home Inspectors Search For?
Your St. Louis home inspector will have a look at all of the home’s significant structures, systems and features. Some particular areas where he or she will look for issues include:
- The home’s general structure: Your inspector will see if there are any problems with the home’s structure, like fractures in the walls or damage to the home’s foundation.
- Roofing and attic: They will take a look at the roofing and search for signs of damage. This consists of things like missing shingles or areas where the roof is sinking. They will also take a look at the rain gutters to ensure that water flows in a direction away from the home. In the attic, they will check for leaks, structural damage or insulation issues along with damage to the fireplace and chimney.
- Basement: They will primarily be inspecting to see if there is any water damage. Basements are specifically vulnerable to water issues, which can easily cause major and costly structural damage.
- Plumbing: They will make certain that toilets and water flow shut off and turn back on at the right times. They will likewise try to find leaks in the plumbing system and evaluate the hot water heater.
- Electrical: Your inspector will first inspect to make sure that the electrical system is grounded properly. Correcting grounding issues can be expensive to remedy, but it helps avoid overheating of wires and fires. The circuit breaker box will be examined, as well as the wiring, ceiling fans and outlets to ensure they are grounded and working.
- Home appliances: Your inspector will check to make certain that appliances (like the oven and dishwasher) are working, as well as examine their electrical connections to make sure they don’t pose a fire hazard.
- Garage: They will look for damage to the walls and ceiling and check that the garage door opener is functioning.
- Other systems: Your inspector will ensure that the home’s HVAC system is running correctly and check out the sprinkler system.
What St. Louis Home Inspectors Search Don’t For:
Home inspectors don’t inspect everything. You might need to set up different inspections for the following systems since they require specific training and equipment.
Well and septic system inspection: If the house has well water, you may need a water quality test and a septic inspection. Cost: Expect to pay between $260– $420 for a well and septic system inspection, depending on where you live.
Sewer inspection: If you’re purchasing an older home with a number of big trees on the property, the home might need a sewer inspection. Sewer inspections look for deep roots that can harm or block the drain lines. Cost: You’ll pay in between $85– $300 for your drain inspection, depending on the size of your residential or commercial property.
Lead-based paint inspection: Before January 1, 1979, many contractors painted the interior of homes with lead-based paint. If the home was built before 1979 and hasn’t had a lead-based paint inspection, you will need to get one before you close on your loan. Cost: A lead-based paint inspection will cost you about $300.
Lot survey: A lot size survey measures the exact size of the property. Lot surveys are sometimes required for zoning purposes. Cost: A lot survey normally costs in between $300– $700. Anticipate to pay more if the property is in a rural area or you’re purchasing a large residential or commercial property.
Pest or termite inspections: If your inspector thinks that the house may have a pest or termite issue, she or he might suggest a pest inspection. Pest inspections are also a requirement to get a VA loan, no matter the home’s condition. Cost: Expect to pay about $100 for an inspection.
Asbestos testing: Asbestos is a hazardous building material utilized in many older houses. If the home has never had an asbestos test, you should get one before you close. Cost: Asbestos testing normally costs between $400– $500.
Mold Inspection: Mold can be a health hazard. If the home inspector found signs of mold, you should get a mold inspection. Expense: A mold inspection may cost you more than $800.
Radon testing: Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can cause cancer when a person is exposed, over time, to high levels of concentration. St. Louis inspectors recommend ordering a radon test if the home hasn’t recently had one. Cost: Expect to pay between $100– $200 for radon screening.
Chimney inspection: A standard home inspection will take a look at the fireplace, however you might need a professional chimney sweep to check the condition of a chimney’s flue, joints and interior. Expense: You will pay in between $150– $350 for a chimney inspection, depending on the condition of the chimney.