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 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. (This is a typically a separate inspector and an added fee but the general inspector may work closely with a pest inspector. Be sure to ask when you order the inspection). If you live in certain areas or with certain home amenities, it’s wise to order an additional inspection—for example, pool or septic or well inspection. These also have additional fees but they are very necessary. Additionally, your inspector may recommend you ask for a specialized opinion, such as a structural engineer in case weakness is suspected in bearing walls. Don’t procrastinate and wait to get this done. Getting all inspections completed during the option (inspection) period is crucial. Once that time frame is over, terminating the contract can result in lost earnest money. If you need more time for specialized inspections, your agent can request and negotiate an extension to the option period. 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
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