When you’re buying a new home, a home inspection is often a required part of the process.
And, even if a home inspection isn’t required by your mortgage provider, it’s still a smart idea to get one.
On average, homeowners have to cough up nearly $9,542 on repair and maintenance for a single-family home. That is a sharp 12% increase from 2022.
The most effective way to avoid unnecessary maintenance costs is by performing regular home inspections.
Over the years, your home may develop issues that would not get caught in a general inspection. That’s where more specific home inspections can help.
Read on to learn how to best to protect your most valuable asset, and what inspections can help you maintain its value.
Start with Your Insurance
In June 2024, the price of single-family properties jumped to $426,900, the highest average price on record.
As housing prices continue to rise, it’s more essential than ever to ensure your investment is fully protected.
Every year, thousands of families spend thousands of dollars repairing damage caused by bad weather, criminal activity, or natural disasters.
With proper home insurance, you can avoid these hefty repair bills. Typically, home insurance provides coverage for damage from events including fires, storms and theft.
Most insurance companies will bear the expense of replacing or rebuilding your home if the damage is caused by a covered event.
Insurance companies also pay for temporary lodging if your existing home becomes uninhabitable during this difficult period.
Additionally, your home insurance policy will cover legal expenses in the event of a property dispute or an injury that occurs on your property.
Most mortgage companies make it a requirement to have valid insurance on your home for the duration of your mortgage.
But, regardless of whether it’s required or not, home insurance should be treated as an essential cost of ensuring your home and family are protected in extreme situations.
Types of Home Inspections You Should Get Every Year
While home insurance is essential in protecting your house and family, regular inspections can also help ensure you don’t deal with unexpected repair costs.
Here are five types of home inspections you should get every one to two years:
Roof Inspection
Your roof is your first line of defense against the harsh outdoor weather. Over the years, your roof structure can decay due to constant exposure to the elements.
The chances of roof damage are even higher in older properties. If you spot cracked shingles, damaged flashing around the vents, or water stains on the ceiling, it is time for a roof inspection.
If not taken care of on time, minor damage can eventually lead to irreparable damage to your roof’s structure. If the damage is too severe, you will need to replace the roof, which is a costly affair.
Luckily, many home insurance policies cover roof replacement costs.
Your roof inspection report, in such cases, will serve as a valuable piece of documentation, and likely help speed up the claims process.
Radon Inspection
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that can seep into your home from the ground and increase the risk of lung cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), three to fourteen percent of lung cancer in any country is caused by radon exposure.
Radon testing, thankfully, is a simple and non-invasive procedure.
A tester places a small device in your home for a few days to measure radon levels. After the testing period, the tester will send the device to the lab for analysis.
The steps to correct potential radon issues will depend on the level of gas found in the environment.
You might not see or smell radon, but there will be tell-tale signs of its presence.
Look for unexplained health issues like frequent headaches or respiratory problems among family members.
Additionally, high levels of moisture, or cracks in floors and walls, can allow radon to enter your home.
Fire Safety Inspection
A fire safety inspection involves checking your house for potential fire hazards.
Residential fire is a serious issue in North America, leading to a gruesome number of fatalities every year. Yet, fire hazards are not always obvious.
The experienced eyes of a qualified home inspector can quickly identify problem areas and suggest effective fire safety solutions.
An inspector can assess areas like electrical systems, heating appliances and kitchen safety.
They will look for faulty wiring, overloaded circuits and proper installation of smoke detectors. The inspector will also check for flammable materials stored near heat sources, and assess escape routes in case of a fire.
Mold
Mold is a sneaky little peril. It is very common in areas with poor ventilation, high humidity, or prolonged exposure to water due to flood and rain.
Basements, bathrooms and kitchens are the most vulnerable spots due to their high moisture levels. Older homes with aging plumbing or poor ventilation also attract mold growth.
If the air smells musty out of nowhere, consider getting a mold inspection as soon as possible.
Mold is not only unsightly, but it also brings a host of health problems with it. It can trigger allergies, asthma and respiratory issues, especially for children and the elderly.
Structurally, mold can weaken walls, floors and ceilings, leading to costly repairs. Property values take a sharp dip when mold issues are present, making your home harder to sell.
Septic Tank Inspection
While not every home has a septic tank, those that do need to be proactive about caring for it.
If you’ve noticed sewage odors around your home, especially near the septic tank area, don’t hesitate to get it checked by a professional.
Frequent toilet clogs or backups are also clear signs that your septic system is struggling. If you experience any of these issues, it is time to schedule a septic tank inspection.
Homes at higher risk for septic issues include older properties with aging septic systems, houses located in areas with high water tables, and homes with large families or heavy water usage.
If you do not act on the inspection’s findings, your septic system could fail.
Contaminated water can also seep into the ground when a septic system is not working properly, harming the environment and making your property unsafe.
Repairing or replacing a damaged septic system is expensive and can disrupt your daily life, making quick maintenance and repair an essential.
Your Home Deserves Your Utmost Attention
Getting regular inspections of your home might sound like an overkill to some.
But, once the repair and renovation bills start running up, you’ll realize acting sooner would have been wiser.
This is especially important if your house has children, pets, older people or individuals with allergy issues. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and be sure your home is protected!