Beyond the General Inspection: Other Key Home Inspections

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When we’re in escrow my clients always ask me if a general home inspection will be enough. My answer? The truth is you can’t really know what’s going on with a house that might be ten years or, in Los Angeles, 100 years old. And that’s why it’s vital for future home owners to do their due diligence before problems may arise down the line. Trust me, a wealth of home inspections by trusted professionals could save you a lot of money later. Here are 8 home inspection pros beyond the general inspector that you should consider before taking the home buying plunge, plus a few tips to help you not stress out about this process. And if you need a preferred vendor list of the best home inspectors in Los Angeles don’t hesitate to call or email me.

First of all, Getting a house inspected doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing. You need to play an active role in the process. Be there. If you can’t be there, make sure your real estate or another trusted person is. MBe prepared to ask some questions and point out specific problems you’d like to check out further. This will most likely be the first time your home inspector has been at the property, so your knowledge of potential issues is invaluable. If this is your first time buying a home and you may not know the “right” questions to ask, ask me or your real estate agent. We’re here to help.

1. Termites!

Trust. With homes in Los Angeles of a certain age there quite possinly will be termites, pests and other rodents totally bugging what would otherwise be an amazing piece of real estate. The longer they stick around the more they will multiply. Termites can cause serious structural damage so why not start the process of getting rid of them before you move in?

2. Chimney

You’ve seen it. A lot of home listings say that a drop dead gorgeous brick fireplace is merely “decorative.” It can be disappointing! Especially if you’re like me and would like to cozy up by a warm fire during Los Angeles’s colder winter months. A chimney inspection will tell you exactly what you need to know about your new home’s fireplace. Maybe there’s a quick fix that will make the chimney more than just a pretty thing to look at. And if that’s the case you’ll want to know.

3. Mold

Yuck. The last you want to do is put your health at risk and so the first thing you need to do if mold or other toxic materials are found is to purge it from the house. Lead paint be gone! Asbestos, outta here! A toxic substance inspector or two will go a long way in guaranteeing you and your family’s health and wellness in the future.

Another piece of advice:

Do Your Own Pre-Inspection

You can really learn a lot about a house just by looking at it. Make sure you do your own home inspection and note any possible issues. Look at walls and ceilings for any evidence of water damage (discoloration, stains, etc.). Try all the light switches and outlets you can to make sure the electrical layout makes sense. Peek at the electrical panel to see if there are any potential wiring issues (look for new wire, old wiring that isn’t hooked up, etc.). On the outside of the house, look for drainage issues, areas with peeling paint, around decks and porches, inspect the siding, etc. Going in to your official inspection, you should have a good idea of things you’d like your inspector to pay extra attention to.

4. Sewer System

Is the ground soft or wet? The tank could be leaking, which would be a costly fix. Or maybe it’s just rained (Contrary to popular belief in LA, rain happens!). Regardless of the weather though, a sewer inspector is vital to guaranteeing you won’t be spending a small fortune in the future.

5. Geology

Any home that’s on a hillside or near a hillside should have its geological conditions checked out by a specialist, and any home that has had previous earthquake damage reported should also be fully inspected by a geologist. So, unless the home is brand spanking new chances are a Los Angeles home has had earthquake damage in the past. When the big one hits next you don’t want to take any chances.

6. Pool

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool in LA don’t invite all your friends over for a pool party just yet. A pool inspection will tell you if the water is fine and healthy to swim in, plus generally how much you’re likely to spend each month on pool maintenance. Projecting your future home’s monthly expenses can be an important factor in deciding if this is the home right for you and your budget.

7. Foundation

And last but not least, your home’s foundation! Say a door won’t close? Or a crack in the floor or wall or ceiling? That could mean foundation trouble. But not exactly a deal breaker. The important thing is to get quotes from several experts to see how much it might cost to fix the problem.

8. Permit Pulling

Maybe not quite an “inspection,” but one last thing you may want to find out is if everything’s been properly permitted. That 1970s ad-on bedroom you love so much? Or the second unit you were hoping to use as income property? Yeah, make sure those have the proper permits in place before you bet your bottom dollar on the property.

And more, depending on the home!

One last piece of advice: I know. It can feel like a lot. If the inspector finds problems that the seller won’t address, depending on the severity of the problems, you might need to pass on the deal. But this process doesn’t have to be stressful. Being out the cost of a home inspection is a lot less than some big problems down the road.
Send me a text or an email and I’ll send you the vendor list of professional home inspectors in Los Angeles you can be sure you can trust.

Happy house hunting!

Tatiana

Tatiana Tensen – The EastSide Agent
CalBre#: 1954701
tatiana.tensen@sothebyshomes.com | (937) 243-2349
Sotheby’s International Realty – Los Feliz Brokerage
1801 N Hillhurst Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027

 

 

 

 

 

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