Smart Buyers make sure to get a home inspection before they purchase a Lake Havasu home. A home inspector performs a visual inspection of the property and a cursory check of all systems inside, including HVAC, plumbing and electrical. Then, they point out what immediate problems you may face as a new homeowner of the property as well as what may be a potential problem down the road. However, they have their limitations. You need to be aware of what a Havasu home inspector doesn’t look for so you can determine whether your property needs further inspection from other sources as well.
What a Havasu Home Inspector Doesn’t Look For
Visual Blocks
Havasu home inspectors don’t move furniture or artwork. If any of these are blocking bad electrical outlets, water damage or mold, the inspector may not cite it in their report. When you do your walkthrough, make sure you move all of these things to see what’s lurking behind them.
Roof
Your Havasu home inspector will look at the roof to see if there are any obvious warped, broken or missing portions. However, they won’t go on steep roofs or anything higher than three stories for safety’s sake.
Fireplace/Chimney
Yes, a Havasu home inspector opens and closes the dampers. They also shine their flashlight up inside the chimney to check for any obstructions. They may even make note any creosote buildup that they see. But, if you want a more in-depth look at your chimney’s structural integrity or how much creosote and soot is located throughout the interior of your chimney, you’ll need a fireplace inspector to come out and take a look. These inspections cost anywhere from $80 to $200.
The Ground Below
If a Havasu home inspector sees cracks or breaks in your home’s exterior or interior walls, they will make note of it. However, that’s all they will do. If you’re worried about the integrity of the land underneath your home, you’re going to need to have a geotechnical engineer come out and take a look. Their inspections cost between $300 and $500, depending on the size of the property.
Swimming Pools
If your home includes a pool, your Havasu home inspector will turn the pump and heater on to make sure they are working. But that’s the extent of their inspection. They don’t look for cracks in the plaster or tile. So, pay extra attention to these when you’re checking out a home. They can be costly to repair. You might be able to negotiate those costs into your sales contract. Talk to your Lake Havasu REALTOR@ to discuss what steps to take next.
A home inspection doesn’t guarantee that every potential problem has been found. However, it is a great tool for Buyers to use. For the areas that a Havasu home inspector doesn’t cover, be extra vigilant. Hire an appropriate professional to check it out when needed. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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