No matter where you live, home inspections can cause a mounting feeling of nervousness in potential home buyers and sellers. Different regions can come with their own set of hidden house damage issues, and those living in Scottsdale are no different. Of course, you don’t want there to be anything wrong with your home, and having an inspection done is the only way to ensure that. To prepare yourself for a home inspection, and what the home inspector might be looking for, review this North Scottsdale home inspection checklist.

Bad Craftsmanship

Today, homes are built so quickly they seem to be put up in a matter of days. While this can be good for the economy, it can sacrifice good craftsmanship along the way. Cheap materials and contractors cutting corners during the construction process can result in a home that looks pretty, but isn’t structurally sound.

Before you move into a new home, or sell your old home, a house inspection can confirm whether or not the structure of the house is reliable. By examining certain parts of the framing, home inspectors can determine if the foundation is solid. While the framing and foundation of the home don’t sound exciting, they can have extremely costly repairs if an issue goes unresolved. If the inspector detects something unusual, have it tended to by a professional contractor in a timely manner for the safety of your home and family.

Electrical Issues

Like the foundation of your home, it can be difficult to see if you have an issue with your electrical system Faulty wiring or improper insulation can lead to dangerous conditions in your home. Sparks and even fires can result from electrical issues, which is why it is so important to have this aspect of your home examined during an inspection. Electrical issues can also have costly repairs, as one damaged area can lead to another damaged area and so on, but you have to have it fixed for the sake of safety.

Noticeable Damage

Damage that is visible to the naked eye not only will hurt your potential to sell a home, or your interest in buying a home, but it can indicate other, larger underlying issues. For instance, shingles on the roof that are cracked or peeling can show the age of a roof. To sell your home, it might be best to have the roof replaced, or at least the broken shingles fixed.

If there are holes in the wall, stains on the carpet or broken fixtures, these are all things your home inspector will point out to you. They may not necessarily indicate that there is a bigger issue, but it does make the cosmetics of the home look bad. When those parts of a home don’t look good, it can insinuate that the rest of the home was not maintained well either.

Water Damage

Water damage is the absolute worst. Not only does it look bad, but it can smell bad due to mold and mildew, and it can rot the wood framing of a house. Your roof can be a big culprit when it comes to water damage.

If shingles are missing or your gutters are blocked and a heavy rain comes through, water can seep into your roof. Wood will begin to rot in your ceiling and mold will grow in your attic, which can make your family sick and compromise the structure of your home. When you are receiving a home appraisal, make sure that all water damage has been properly addressed beforehand in preparation of your inspection.

Plumbing Leaks

Much like water damage, leaks in your plumbing system can cause a world of trouble. An inspector will be able to determine if you have leaks or not by studying the ceiling and walls of your home. If there are signs of water damage, it can be traced back to the source. A plumber would be able to fix the issue, but you might have to have a contractor fix the rest before your buy or sell a home.

When finding the top real estate agent in North Scottsdale to work with, ask them about their experience with home inspections. You will find that they are knowledgeable of what needs some repairs to the home before an inspection occurs. This will give you additional insight when buying or selling a home.

______________________

Do you own a piece of North Scottsdale real estate that you want to sell, or are you looking to own a home in the area? If so, contact Thomas Osterman today at 602-405-4052.

Read related articles:

• Make Your Home Move Smooth and Easy
• Avoid These 4 Risks When Selling Your Home
• The Best North Scottsdale Communities to Purchase a Home In