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Don’t Skip These 4 Crucial Inspections When Buying a Single-Family Home

First-Time Homebuyer Yoshiko Oest and Russell Nomura February 10, 2025

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but skipping key inspections can lead to costly surprises down the road. These essential reports help uncover hidden issues, giving you peace of mind before committing to one of the biggest purchases of your life.

Before you finalize your home purchase, be sure to schedule these four crucial inspections:

General Home Inspection

A general home inspection is your first line of defense against major unseen issues. It covers essential systems like:

  • Plumbing – Checking for leaks, water pressure, and pipe condition

  • Electrical – Identifying outdated wiring, faulty outlets, or overloaded circuits

  • HVAC – Ensuring the heating and cooling systems are functioning properly

  • Roof & Foundation – Detecting structural problems that could lead to expensive repairs

This inspection gives you a full picture of the home’s condition and highlights potential concerns that might require further evaluation.

Termite Inspection

Pests like termites and wood-destroying organisms can cause hidden structural damage that isn’t always visible during a general home inspection. A termite inspection helps:

  • Identify active infestations

  • Uncover wood damage that could weaken the structure

  • Save you from unexpected repair costs down the line

Even if a home looks solid, termites can be working behind the scenes—so don’t skip this crucial inspection!

Roof Inspection

Your roof is one of the most expensive components of a home to repair or replace. A roof inspection can detect:

  • Leaks and water damage

  • Missing or deteriorating shingles

  • Aging or worn roofing materials

Catching issues early can help you negotiate repairs or factor in replacement costs before closing.

Sewer Line or Septic Inspection

Sewer or septic problems are costly and disruptive, and many homebuyers don’t think about checking them until it’s too late. A sewer line or septic inspection can identify:

  • Blockages or tree root intrusions

  • Leaks or pipe damage

  • Septic system failures

If the home is older or has large trees nearby, this inspection is especially important. A simple camera inspection can save you from unexpected plumbing disasters after move-in.

Why These Inspections Matter

Skipping these inspections can lead to unexpected repairs and major expenses shortly after moving in. These reports help:

  • Identify potential issues early

  • Give you negotiating power with the seller

  • Ensure you’re making a sound investment

Homeownership is exciting, but unexpected repairs aren’t. By taking these extra steps during escrow, you’ll gain confidence in your purchase and avoid costly surprises!

Thinking about buying a home? Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared!

 

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