If you are buying a house you have probably been told how important a home inspection is but, perhaps you’re wondering why it is so important. In this blog we are going to, not only answer this question but also answer a few more common home inspection questions.
 
Why is a home inspection so necessary? When you think about how big of an investment a house is you want to make sure you’re making the right decision and, unless you have a lot of construction experience, it is not easy to tell the true condition of a house just by walking through it. The home inspection is there to find any major issues that could affect the sale of the house and allow you to make an informed choice.
 
Do you need to be there when the inspection is carried out? Although it is not a requirement for you to be present during the inspection you might find it helpful as it will be a good way of getting to know your potential new home. The inspector can also point out any areas of concern. If you cannot make it for the entire inspection you may still find it helpful to arrive towards the end so that the inspector can point out their findings. However, everything will be written in their report.
 
How long does the home inspection take? You can expect it to take about 3 hours, but this will depend on various factors such as the size of the property and its location, etc. If you have an inspection performed that takes a lot less time than 3 hours, it may not have been carried out thoroughly enough.
 
How can I guarantee a thorough home inspection? Check that your home inspection is carried out by an InterNACHI certified home inspector. This will ensure a thorough and honest report.

​Lowering household energy bills is something any homeowner desires but many may wonder if it is something that can be done easily. One option that most homeowners can do themselves is sealing and insulating and it can greatly increase energy efficiency, especially if you live in an older home. Here are a few areas that may benefit from sealing or insulating:
 
A good starting point is the attic space as this is the area where you would most likely notice leaking air. Begin with plugging up any bigger holes and gaps, these are commonly found in dropped ceiling areas, behind or under attic knee walls, and where the attic meets with the floor. Any smaller holes you find can be sealed. Small air leaks are particularly noticeable in insulation because they cause it to darken so look for areas like this. Another area that you should check is the attics access panel, this may benefit from foam board insulation or weather-stripping.
 
As well as the attic space, what other areas of the home would benefit from sealing or insulating? Among the many areas are piping, electrical outlets or receptacles, window frames, doors, baseboards, and window or wall mounted air conditioning units.
 
Taking the time to go through your home and look for areas in need of insulating or sealing will not only help to lower your monthly cooling and heating bills but, a home that is tightly sealed will also contribute to improved indoor air quality and comfort.