Are you planning to buy a new house? Before you start to dream big about a house that you’re eyeing, call a home inspector. Look at the most common and important things that might cause problems in the future. Making sure that your prospective new home is safe inside and out will save money and effort in the long run.

Some of the most important things that you need are radon testing in Provo or other cities, termite and pest inspection, sewer issues, and asbestos testing. These tests are not included in the basic home inspection service. You have to ask the home inspector to include these tests, but they may come at heftier price tags. Most of these tests are priced north of $150, depending on the size of your property.

Basic Structure

You need to look at the structure of the house. Are there cracks in the wall and ceiling? Is there damage to the home’s foundations? These are financially debilitating problems in the future. If you see that there’s a problem in the basic structure, you have to demand the seller to fix these issues or sell it for a lower price.

Plumbing and Electrical

Two of the most important components of a house are the plumbing and electrical systems. Problems in plumbing can cause water issues in the future, while faulty electrical wires can have serious consequences such as risks of electrocution and fire. Fortunately, home inspectors look for these two things the most.

Garage

A garage is a nice extra room to have in your new home. Although it is an extra room, you have to make sure that there is no structural damage. You might also want to check if the garage door is operating correctly. A faulty garage door opener may pose serious problems in the future.

HVAC System

Make sure that the furnace, heating, and air-conditioning systems are working properly. These are the kind of problems that you wouldn’t want to have in the future. If you need to repair these, you might have to evacuate your home for a few days. Also, it is uncomfortable to live in sweltering heat when the air-conditioning unit is not functioning correctly.

Lead Paint

Before 1979, construction companies used lead paint on residential homes. This can cause neurological disorders and developmental delays in children. Lead paint chips also taste sweet, which might entice some children to pick them off the wall and eat them. If you are looking at homes older than 1979, make sure that they have been repainted with safer materials.

Pest and Termite

This is the kind of problem that can be addressed even before you make an offer for the house. Termites and other pests can be eliminated with a simple spray. Termites eat at wood structures and furniture. Pests carry a lot of infection and bacteria. An annual inspection, test, and service will be good for your household.

Asbestos

Old homes have asbestos in their materials. It is a toxic material that can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and other serious respiratory problems. Asbestos testing costs $300 to $500. If the house has asbestos, have the seller remove it first before making an offer. The presence of asbestos is a deal-breaker for any potential homebuyer.

Inspecting a home is the most crucial part of buying a home. Making sure that there are no standing problems will make your transfer to this new home hassle-free. Communicating with the real estate agent and the seller will also help address these common problems.