Important Inspection Tips Before Buying a Home

Before you sign a mortgage and commit yourself to a home for years to come, you’ll want to make sure it’s great, not just on the exterior. Encinitas home buyers want to be cautious to make sure they are getting exactly what they expect they are. Here are a few important inspection tips to make before you buy a home in Encinitas, California.

Seek a Third Party Inspector

When buying a home, you’ll want to find a neutral inspector who has experience in Encinitas homes. This way, you’ll know any potential problem areas with the property. This is important to know because it can add up in the long run. That would put you over budget and in financial hot water. Ensure that they are certified and come highly recommended by past clients.

Structural Integrity

The foundation and structural integrity are absolutely vital–you don’t want a place built on a house of straw. Any signs of cracks in the foundation, or buckling, uneven floors, can indicate a major structural compromise. Your inspector should also check for any water damage or if the soil under the property has shifted due to poor drainage, which can cause big problems later on. Also, keep in mind how close the home is to the ocean–this can affect weathering and erosion, and check to see if there’s any flood zones or other local ordinances limiting what alterations you can make to the property.

Drone Inspections

Climbing a ladder to a home’s roof had many inspectors sweating in the past, but now drones can be utilized to not only reduce the risk of injury, but also offer enhanced visual data of a roof the naked eye could easily miss. Drone inspections consist of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with 4K HDR high-res video cameras to get ultra-detailed footage which can be analyzed further off-site. In Encinitas, where homes have an array of architectural styles and types of roofing, drones can accurately pin-point weather-related damage typical of coastal properties.

Thermal Imaging 

While on the technological kick, thermal imaging is another non-invasive method for identifying problem spots. These cameras use a technology that is a bit like night vision infrared, which can show where different temperatures are around various parts of the house. A thermal imaging inspection can quickly discover hidden leaks, gaps in insulation, or electrical hot spots. Given Encinitas’ blend of newer construction and older homes, thermal imaging is one of the most effective tools for evaluating a property in ways standard inspections fail to catch.

Pests

Pests are always a problem, and Encinitas is far from immune to them. Drywood and subterranean termites are the most common (and destructive), especially in fall and spring, but with a Mediterranean-like climate, these bad boys are an issue year-round, chewing through wood structures and even causing catastrophic structural damage. Look out for other signs of potential infestations: droppings, nests, or evidence of spiders, ants, or fleas. If you encounter any of these gross red flags, you may want to consider a separate pest inspection if necessary.

Be Vocal

If there are major fixes that have been overlooked previously, you’ll want to be vocal about their solution. Some of these can be very costly. You can read online horror stories where a home buyer wasn’t informed of major issues, and they ended up spending far more money than they expected. If there are major problems with the home, you may want that negotiated as a clause in your contract that allows you to walk away, ensuring you’re financially protected.

These are just a few tips, but know the home inspection process is incredibly important when buying a new home in Encinitas, California or anywhere else in Southern California. If you are interested in buying a home in Encinitas, contact Linda Moore today to find exactly what you’re looking for!

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