Here’s a novel idea: You’re not buying or selling a house, but you need a home inspection?
You heard correctly. Now you’re probably wondering why you need an Asheville home inspection if you’re not buying or selling. There’s a simple but powerful reason: Your home is a major investment that can build value and provide security over a period of many years. If you want to protect that investment, you must perform upkeep and maintenance on your home and its systems. This is almost a no-brainer.
Where do you begin? Kitchen makeover? Bathroom tiles? New refrigerator? These are things most of us can see at the surface, but there may be hidden perils that only a trained eye will spot. That’s where an experienced home inspector comes in. If you want some reassurance that you’re not in for some expensive, sudden surprises, arrange to have a home inspection. Inspectors will check so much more than most homeowners are capable, including the structural integrity and major systems, to find any problems that may require fixing.
Additionally, timely home inspections can increase your home’s value. Making sure your home is inspected regularly makes sense both financially and for safety. Don’t wait for an emergency. Schedule an inspection before you start any upkeep or repairs on your home.
Let’s take a look at some of the hidden perils homeowners might miss.
The shocking truth
Electrical problems are among the most prevalent and dangerous hidden perils in your home. Homeowners may miss the signs until it’s too late.
Some of the most common issues are faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and even outdated electrical systems, such as those with aluminum wiring or old-fashioned fuses instead of breakers. Any of these could cause risk of shock, electrocution, or even devastating house fires. Home inspectors are trained to identify potential electrical problems.
Older homes may not have enough outlets, which can lead to overloading the existing ones. Overheated wires in walls are serious, hidden fire hazards. Additionally, older homes may contain knob-and-tube wiring, considered unsafe by today’s standards. A competent inspector can identify these problems and suggest fixes, such as replacing old fuse boxes with breaker panels and installing three-pronged grounded circuits throughout the home. Put simply, a qualified inspector can spot potential dangers before disaster strikes.
All wet
Plumbing problems are not to be taken lightly. When it comes to water, even a small leak can lead to big problems if left unattended.
The most frequent issues in homes are pipe leaks, clogged drains, and old, corroded water heaters. Especially water heaters. They may leak slowly at first, but this won’t last.
Think about it. You have a 50- or 75-gallon cylinder filled with pressurized water that springs a leak. Consider this a wakeup call! If that cylinder cuts loose and spews all that water into your home, the result can be extremely expensive. But even very small leaks can herald big problems, such as toxic mold growth in your home.
Old, outdated pipes made from galvanized steel or polybutylene can be a disaster waiting to happen, leading to extensive damage and costly repairs. A professional inspector may be able to identify underlying issues before they become problems.
If your home is on a septic system, ask your inspector to arrange a video septic inspection to rule out impending problems. A backed up septic system can dump raw sewage right into your home. Experts like to say that really stinks!
Breaking the mold!
If you have had any water leaks, mold may be a problem in your home. Mold growth can be hazardous to your health, resulting in allergies, respiratory infections, and even neurological problems.
Your inspector can help spot problem areas in your home and possible moisture sources that exacerbate mold growth.
If your home has a musty smell and you suffer from chronic respiratory issues, ask your inspector to arrange for a mold inspection. In the meantime, be sure you have adequate ventilation, and use dehumidifiers if necessary. If a professional mold inspection reveals a significant problem, you will have to call in mold professionals to make your indoor air safe for breathing.
While we’re on the subject of safe indoor air, be sure to ask your home inspector to check for sources of potential carbon monoxide in your home, such as malfunctioning gas heaters, ovens, or dryers. Also be sure to have carbon monoxide detectors in your home, and check them regularly.
We’ve covered the hidden perils in your home. While your inspector is there, he or she will check your appliances, doors, windows, grading, and more to ensure your home is safe and ship shape.
So don’t wait for trouble or until you’re buying or selling. Schedule a home inspection as a blueprint for regular maintenance of your most important investment. The cost of that inspection is great insurance against unexpected, costly repairs.
Buying or selling a home?
Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.
