Chimneys, vents, house insulation, and ducting. All furnace and AC systems for age, condition, and proper functioning. • Laundry room: Ventilation and dryer systems; leaks and potential fire hazards. • Bathrooms: Bathtub, shower, sink, and toilet inspection. Proper ventilation and plumbing. • Kitchen appliances (if part of the purchase): Properly working devices and correct installation. • Fire safety: Smoke detectors in place and operating, fireplaces, and stoves. • Pest inspection. Presence of wood-boring and other insects, molds, and fungi. If you live in certain high-risk areas, it’s wise to order an additional service, such as an earthquake, tornado, or flood inspection. The specialist will help you estimate the property's resistance to natural disasters. Your inspector may recommend that you seek a specialized opinion, such as that of a structural engineer, in case weakness is suspected in the bearing walls. Don’t procrastinate; do this now. There have been situations in which the closing had to be postponed because of failure to properly address inspection issues in time. A good expert is hard to find. Choosing the right inspector is the key to a thorough and comprehensive report. You may search online, paying attention to reviews of that inspector. Many real estate websites have a list of professionals with ratings and reviews. Ask your friends and family for a recommendation. An excellent source of recommendations is the real estate agent with whom you’re working—your buyer’s agent, not the seller’s agent.
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