Major Points of Inspection

Here is a list of some of the major areas inspectors will cover:

• Foundation: With either a basement or a crawl space, is it simply damp or are there outright water problems? Are there any cracks in the walls or floor that might indicate structural problems?
• Construction: Does the house have good quality construction? Is the flashing properly installed to protect wood, are there any rotting problems with the wood, is the roof in good shape or will it need replacing soon, etc.
• Plumbing: Has the plumbing been properly installed? Is it in good shape? Is there any evidence of leaks?
• Heating and cooling systems: Are the units in good shape? Will they need replacing soon? Are they rated for the amount of square footage they are heating?
• Electrical: Do there appear to be any electrical problems or code violations?
• Interior: Are the floors level? Do windows and doors function properly? Do the appliances in the kitchen function properly? Is there any evidence of leaks or mildew in the bathrooms?

The bottom line is, don't skip the inspection and make sure the inspector you hire is experienced and certified to do the job.