What Are the Most Important Elements of a Vancouver Home Inspection

Whether you are buying or selling a home one of the most important steps is getting a home inspection performed. A home inspection is a visual survey of important elements in the home that may be important for the seller or buyer to know. But what do inspectors look for during a home inspection? In today’s blog we will be looking at the most important elements of a Vancouver home inspection, so you know what to expect.

Home Structure

Inspectors will examine the overall structure of the home, including its foundation, to look for any signs that could indicate serious issues that need to be brought to the attention of the seller or buyer. Issues in the home’s foundation could include things like cracks, shifts, water damage or settling. The home inspector will also evaluate the home’s structural integrity, checking things like beams, load bearing walls and the alignment of floors and ceilings.

Roof

Another important element of the home to examine in Vancouver is the condition of the roof as this is your home’s first line of defense against the city’s climate. The inspector will determine the age of the roof, the materials used and the general condition to evaluate whether or not it will need immediate attention. They will also check the gutters and downspouts to ensure that they are properly cleaned and have been properly installed as this can lead to moisture damage in the home.

Electrical

While it is usually a hidden concern, the condition of the homes electrical system is extremely important in a home inspection. The inspector will ensure that the home is up to the local electrical code by looking at the wiring, electrical panel, outlets and switches and ensuring that they all work correctly and show no signs of wear and tear. If the home has any faulty wiring, overloaded circuits or improper grounding there could be a risk of electrical malfunction or worse, a risk of fire.

Plumbing

A homes plumbing is another important element that is usually hidden by walls. While this means that the inspector can rarely get a good look at every pipe and connection they will check for leaks, water pressure issues and potential blockages. They will check the condition of the pipes, water heater, faucets, drains and sewage system to ensure that there is no obvious damage or concerns. The inspector will also check the age of these systems and advise on whether they are in need of replacement.

HVAC System

The last occasionally hidden system that needs to be looked at during a home inspection is the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Inspectors will examine the home’s furnace, ac unit, duct and vents to ensure that they are all working properly. They will also look for dirty filters, wear and tear and poor maintenance to evaluate the overall condition of the system. This will help reveal concerns that could transform into major issues if not addressed.

Leaks and Moisture

Because of Vancouver’s wet climate it is imperative that a home inspector looks for any signs of leaks, water damage or moisture in the home. These leaks can occur in places like basements, crawlspaces and around windows and doors. Early detection of these issues will ensure that they can be addressed before the sale on the property is closed and so that the new homeowner is aware of the issues.

We hope that we have been able to give you some useful information on the most important elements of Vancouver home inspections. If you have any questions about home inspections and the home inspection process, please feel free to contact us.

The Inspectors is a group of very experienced home inspectors who bring reliability and integrity to the practice of home inspection. These inspectors follow closely the established standards of the Canadian National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about home inspection, we encourage you to call us at (778) 788-5301.