When you’re ready to buy a home, you’ll want to go through a full due diligence process. This process will include several inspections outside of the common home inspection. Here’s a look at some of the inspections you should consider when going through the due diligence process to buy a home.

The Actual Home Inspection

Maybe the most important inspection you will have done, the home inspection should be done by a professional with a great reputation. Often, your lender will have specific inspectors they allow you to choose from. This inspection will include looking at the major systems of the home, such as:

• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Roofing
• Structure

If there’s a major issue with the home, the home inspection will likely catch it.

Specialized Inspections

The general home inspection may end up coming back with a defect or something unusual. When this happens, the inspector often recommends you get a specialized inspection. A specialized home inspection may look closer at the home for specific things. Some types of specialized inspections include:

• Pest inspection
• Chimney inspection
• Roof inspection
• Sewer inspection
• Radon inspection
• Asbestos inspection
• Mold inspection
• Foundation inspection

Depending on the area and the age of the home, some of these specialized inspections may be necessary.

Encroachment Inspection

While the title policy for the home will disclose easements, it’s possible you may need an encroachment inspection. The title company will be able to send the actual easement documents from public records to you. However, you can also hire a surveyor to prepare an improvement location certificate. This certificate will show the encroachments.

In addition, you may end up hiring a surveyor to have the lot size and boundaries for the property verified. This should be done if the title policy shows a plat map that doesn’t match with the current fences. You should never rely on the fences to determine the boundaries of the property.

Pool/Spa Inspection

If the property you plan to purchase has a pool or spa, you will want to hire an inspector to look at this area of the home. Pool and spa inspectors can give you an idea of the life expectancy of key components of the pool or spa. They can also check for leaks.

There are several inspections you can have done during the due diligence process. The inspections you choose to get done will depend on the property, the location, the age and the features it may come with.

I would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to me 704-650-5707 | annagrangerhomes@gmail.com.