What Inspections Should I Have? (Video)

What Inspections Should I Have? (Video Transcription)

Hi, everyone. George Belleville here. I’m a realtor in Maryland, and I’m creating this video to answer the question, what inspections should we have when buying a home? I’ll try to cover as much as I can, so bear with me. This might be a bit long, but it’s a common question, especially for first-time home buyers.

Types of Inspections:

When people talk about home inspections, it’s a broad category with several subcategories. The most common is the structural mechanical inspection, which covers the physical house itself, including the structure, mechanicals, roof, windows, plumbing, flooring, siding, etc.
Other inspections include radon testing, which is crucial in our area due to the prevalence of radon gas, a leading cause of cancer in the US. Chimney inspections are also important, especially for masonry chimneys, which can be costly to repair. A level two inspection involves running a camera up the chimney to assess its condition thoroughly.
Properties without public water and sewer systems require well and septic inspections. Well inspections test water quality and yield, which is essential for sufficient water supply. Septic inspections involve checking the sewage system’s condition, with camera inspections becoming increasingly common for accurate assessment.

Additional Inspections:

Lead paint and mold inspections are less common but still important in certain cases. However, they’re relatively rare compared to other inspections.

Considerations and Risk Tolerance:

Whether to opt for inspections depends on factors like risk tolerance, finances, and competitiveness in the housing market. Not doing inspections may make your offer less competitive, but it could lead to costly issues down the line.

Conclusion:

These are the basic inspections commonly done during home purchases in central Maryland. Other regions may have additional inspections. If you have any questions, please let us know. Have a great day.