Beneath the Floorboards
US News & World Report explains that inspectors generally only look at what's immediately visible. Thus, issues under the floorboards (i.e. mice, mold, or mildew), may very well be missed.
On the Roof
Before moving in to a new home, find out when the roof was last replaced, along with any pertinent repairs or damage that it faced. An inspector with roof maintenance experience could prove to be invaluable here.
If it's determined that there are issues with the roof, consider asking the seller for assistance with repair/replacement costs. If you take this route, ask that this is included in the closing costs or as a contingency clause in your offer.
In the Chimney
When conducting a home inspection, the inspector may just walk by your fireplace without giving your chimney another thought. It's common for chimneys to have an abundance of issues, including soot or fuel buildup, birds' nests, or other animals living inside. This is especially true if the fireplace hasn't been used in a while.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, even a little bit of sooty buildup is enough to cause a fire that could damage your fireplace or spread to your home, so it's vital that this area is cleaned as soon as possible. A qualified chimney sweep should be able to remove nests. A licensed animal removal expert can take care of any live animals living in your chimney.
In the Swimming Pool (If Applicable)
When considering swimming pools in relation to home inspections, ensure that the surrounding fence is at the proper height to prevent accidents. Also, make sure that the filters are working properly.
Although it makes sense to assume your home inspector is experienced in all aspects of home inspections, make sure to interview your inspector to determine what expertise he or she has, and hire additional inspectors to cover unchecked areas.
For more information on Michna Law Group, contact us by phone at 847.446.4600 or by email at BJM@MichnaLaw.com.
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