Why you don’t need to sell your home to have it inspected

Having your home inspected will give you a better understanding of the structure in which you and your family live. It will provide you a list of maintenance items that may require immediate attention and even protect your family.

1. Termites and other pests Mice are the pests you see; termites are the ones you don’t. A proper pest inspector will get into your home’s crawl space and turn up any evidence of critters in your beams. They can also spot dry rot, which is caused by fungi and can lead to wood disintegration.
2. Asbestos If your home was built before 1975, there’s a good chance asbestos is present in one or more of its building materials. Scary but true. It’s most commonly seen as thermal insulation in basements, but pre-1970s, asbestos could be found in anything from window caulk to attic insulation.

Asbestos is hazardous only when it begins to crumble. Bring in an inspector to assess the condition of any known asbestos; if they recommend removal, tackle that before listing.

3. Foundation If you live in an older home, the threat of foundation settling looms large. A bit of settling is expected, but when you’re heading into Tower of Pisa territory, that’s where the troubles begin.

Having an inspector look for signs such as a cracked wall, twisted window frames, or horizontal cracks in the foundation itself. You may also be informed of any leaks that may be present under your home.

4. Electrical Homes go through many stages that also means a lot of electrical rewiring, which can lead to code violations. Bring in an inspector you trust who’s also familiar with the neighborhood architecture and history so they know what problems to look for.
5. Chimney While that wood-burning fireplace is a major draw to buyers, prepare yourself for questions about its condition. Make sure the flue liners and inside bricks are in good shape and that smoke is exiting the house properly.

If you have a nonworking fireplace with the potential to be reopened, you might want to send someone to your roof to inspect the chimney exterior.

6. Roof A good inspector will confirm whether damage exists, and let you know if repairs or replacement is needed.
7. Mold It’s not just for hypochondriacs anymore. The health dangers of mold are well-documented, and its threat is on the minds of real estate shoppers. A good inspector will ask you the history of the home, including past water damage, and then do a visual tour of your home.

Having an annual inspection will give you an idea of how your home has changed over time so you can be proactive in care and maintenance.