Understanding the major home systems and their associated potential problems can help you instantly determine homes that you may wish to avoid. The knowledge helps you conduct the house-hunting process with confidence. A home system is quite similar to the human body system. In both systems, several components work together to serve a common purpose.
For instance, in the human body, the nervous system transmits the sense of touch using your brain, spine, and nerves. Similarly, a home’s roofing system keeps heat out using insulation, underlayment, and shingles. The major systems of the house may range from foundation, roofing, and plumbing to hvac and electrical systems. To learn more in detail keep reading.
1. The Foundation
Most homes have poured concrete foundations, which usually have fewer issues than masonry block foundations. While looking at any sort of foundation the basic worries are movement and leaking. Look for cracks in the foundation. Diagonal cracks are a major concern than horizontal or vertical ones. Moreover, corner cracks are considered even more serious. However, fine cracks are typically not a concern.
2. Heating and Cooling
In case the heat pump has gotten old beyond 10 years, then you must pay special attention to its operations. The unit must be capable of running quietly, have an effective thermostat, secure vents, and fire up on demand. In case there is an AC unit installed outside then make sure that you get regular ac service, the AC is sitting at an accurate level, cleaned, running quietly, and free form on buildup or overgrowth. You should also want to check airflow at all the registers.
3. Plumbing
While looking at the plumbing, examine each faucet for better water pressure, and monitor for leaks under sinks or around water heaters. Poor drainage and water leaks can cause the growth of mold. Extensive mold infestations might be costly to remediate. In case you experience any musty odors, this might be an indication of mold. Moreover, plumbing leaks are usually hidden and may be very negligible, but they can cause a lot of damage even before they are discovered.
4. Electrical
The electrical systems of the house are the main and basic system of the house on which too many other systems rely. Inspectors can give you a detailed idea of when this system of the hose needs special attention, the present shortcomings that can be hazardous, and items that need maintenance. This system consists of a circuit breaker, wiring, switches, and plugs. Look for missing cover plates, exposed wires, and hanging wires, to mention a few. A simple circuit tester can help you monitor for abnormalities. Your home inspector must be able to conduct these tests.
5. Roofing
Asphalt shingle roofs can last up to 15 to 25 years. In case you observe brittle, curled, or broken shingles, then it could be an indication of the fact that the roof needs replacement. You can get the roof inspected by the home inspector. Don’t try to make any attempt to climb on a roof that is not yours.
Elizabeth Samson