When someone shows up to do your home inspection, you expect them to at least do a full search of the property – checking all the major issues to see if anything’s out of place. But unfortunately, home inspectors often miss or commonly overlook some issues that need well-deserved attention. Here’s a list of inspection “red flags” so you can make your home inspectors aware of what they can’t afford to skip.

1). HVAC Issues

Heating, air conditioning, and ventilation are just a few issues home inspectors overlook, but these are some of the most prevalent. Inspectors should check out the entire health of your HVAC, not only whether the system is working or not. If the machine works the day of the inspection but is in bad condition, it could break down the day you move in.

2). Water Damage

Water damage is another pertinent issue in home inspections. Visible damage is easy, but it will be more difficult for inspectors to detect any damage within your home’s walls. Mold and mildew can form if water is left in your flooring or walls. Make sure to get in touch with your inspector to make absolutely certain they haven’t found water damage anywhere in the house.

3). Issues to Flooring

Since the subfloor is often invisible, inspectors will need to make sure to check it. If it’s creaky or relatively worn in, it may contain some major damage. Ensure that the floor is looked at and subfloor stable enough (especially if living in an old house).

4). Roofing Issues

Home inspectors must do a physical, not just a visual, inspection of your rooftop. When you see your home inspectors checking your roof from the ground level and never actually getting on it, they could very well be missing severe issues that a good home inspection should key in on. Ask your home inspectors to check the top of the roof by climbing up to it instead of from the ground level if you want to be sure everything is in proper working order. 

5). Asbestos

It’s only too easy for home inspectors to overlook inspecting for asbestos. This mineral is found in houses built before the year 1980 and is a material that’s dangerous if damaged or moved, since the action causes fibers to release in the air. Unless the home inspectors are on the lookout for asbestos, it is a commonly overlooked in the report. 

6). Radon Gas

Radon gas is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that causes cancer. It’s only traceable from a test, but without a test will most definitely be missed in the home inspection report. Ask your inspectors if they can check from radon gas if you want to make sure your home is safe.

How to Keep These Problems from Spreading

The first thing many can do to keep these issues at bay would be to hire a specialist who can detect each area individually. Hiring a certified roofing inspector, water damage specialist, flooring expert, and HVAC specialist will ensure those areas are looked over with sincere regard and attention to detail. 

Follow Up on To-Do Items With Inspectors

And when your home inspector does show up, ask them to check on the heating . Follow any “must” or “mold” smells to their root source – and if it’s the floor or wall, have them thoroughly checked. Remove any carpet and look for flooding damage or internal issues that could have caused the dampness that lead to mold in the first place.

If you can, gather the warranty or manual for the appliances you’re checking out, and ask the inspector to search for radon and asbestos.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be in good shape for the home inspection. Don’t wait until the inspectors leave before knowing if your house is free from the conditions above!

If you need a home inspection fast from the best experts in town, contact 1st Choice Professionals. Unlike many companies in the DFW metro, 1st Choice takes the time to find and explain every problem, leaving you with a thorough inspection and peace of mind.