Why A Home Inspection Isn’t Enough
If you are looking to buy a home right now, you know that the market is super hot. Buyers are offering way above the asking price, paying for closing costs, and even waiving home inspections. While we want you to live in the home of your dreams, safety is our number one priority. A home inspection will help keep your family informed on potential issues with the house, but it will not cover everything. That is why we recommend environmental testing along with a home inspection.
What is a home inspection? Why do I need it?
A home inspection can uncover issues with the physical structure and mechanical systems of the house. It will report the expected lifespan of essential features such as the roof, heating, and air conditioning, examine the structure in case of damage, and recommended repairs and replacements, too.
In other words, you will get a visual assessment of the accessible parts of your home. The areas most commonly included in a home inspection are:
- Structural components (floors, walls, ceilings).
- Exterior components (siding, attached decks, porches).
- Safety (stairs, handrails, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors).
- Roof, gutters, and outside of chimneys.
- Plumbing.
- Heating and air conditioning.
- Major appliances.
- Ventilation.
- Insulation.
- Fireplaces and wood stoves.
- Windows and doors.
- Attics, garages, and basements.
While this is a good starting point, a typical home inspection does not paint the whole picture. To truly know what is going on with a house, you need an environmental inspection performed by a licensed professional.
Why it is not enough:
Home inspectors can often point out signs of environmental hazards but are unable to detect the unseen. They can identify which areas could have asbestos or where paint is chipping but will not test for asbestos or lead paint. And since the only way to know if asbestos is present is by digging a little deeper, and lead is only identifiable by testing, you’ll need someone with a license to do so. Uncovering these issues before buying a home could save you thousands of dollars or even convince you to reconsider the purchase entirely. As the buyer, it is your responsibility to hire the inspectors, so it’s a good idea to contact an expert who can give you a complete and honest assessment of the condition of the home.
Remember: don’t panic, just call. You can always have your home tested for lead paint and dust by a certified professional. If you live in Michigan, call on AAA. Get in touch today and we’ll help determine which inspection service is right for you.