What to Look for in a Home Inspection

 Posted on February 07, 2024 in Real Estate

The home inspection conducted by a licensed professional is a critical part of the home-buying process. Whether you are buying your first-ever family home or have been through the process several times already, it is important to know what types of issues to look out for in the inspection report. Unless you are purchasing a brand-new home and will be the first person living there, the house you are interested in likely has some level of damage from years of wear and tear. The question is, what types of damage or issues should you be concerned about, and which are entirely normal? Few lived-in homes are in perfect condition, so there is no reason to be alarmed just because the inspector has identified a problem or concern. However, some types of damage or issues could be unsafe for your family or lead to costly repairs soon. An Oak Brook, IL, real estate lawyer can help you decide whether a property is right for your family. 

Normal v. Worrisome Home Inspection Issues

It can be difficult to gauge how concerned you should be about something you saw on the inspection report. Some common issues include:

• Lead-based paint - If the house you are interested in was built before about 1980, you can assume it contains lead-based paint. As long as the lead-based paint has been covered up and the layer covering it is not chipped or damaged, you likely do not need to worry. 
• Mold - A small amount of mold in the basement or possibly attic is fairly normal. However, the type and extent of mold matter. Black mold is a health hazard, and extensive mold can lead to serious problems. It could also be a sign of inadequate ventilation. 
• Electrical issues - Signs of DIY electric repair or very outdated and damaged wiring can signal danger. While some types of electrical issues, like a lack of GFI outlets, can be easily remedied, more extensive problems might be a sign that you should walk away.
• Termites - Termites can rapidly destroy the wood used to build a home. If there is extensive termite damage, there may be no fixing it without extremely costly renovations. 
• Asbestos tile - Although simply hearing the term “asbestos” may frighten you, the mere presence of asbestos tile is not necessarily cause for alarm unless the tiles are beginning to crumble. Any damaged areas must be promptly remediated by a professional, which can be quite expensive. 

These are only a few of the concerns that may come up during a home inspection. Each issue should be discussed with the inspector to help you understand how severe the damage is and what it would take to carry out repairs. 

Contact a DuPage County, IL, Real Estate Attorney

Whitacre & Stefanczuk LTD is committed to protecting home buyers. Our experienced Oak Brook, IL, residential real estate lawyers will strive to make you feel confident in your purchase. Contact us at 773-622-6100 for a complimentary consultation. Mówimy po Polsku.