Townhouse Inspections - Common Areas Where One Should Be Done
A Townhouse Inspection Houston TX is not meant to be an exhaustive examination of a home's construction or systems but rather a general overview and review of the systems and components that make up the home. A well-done inspection can highlight and point out potential problems that a buyer may not have been otherwise aware of. A well-done inspection will never be truly thorough if it just covers the main unit itself.
Typically an inspector will look at everything from the roof to the exterior and every part of the house that encompass that unit. Some inspectors will provide significantly lower rates since they don't include these basic areas in their townhouse inspection, but they don't include all the positive things either. You can expect to find some serious defects that could potentially cost you thousands of dollars if left undetected. Serious defects need to be repaired or replaced if they are discovered during a townhouse inspection.
These defects can typically be determined by a townhouse inspection since they are usually one level. This makes them easy to overlook. Another reason for less defects being found in a townhouse inspection is that smaller inspections are less time consuming. Less time-consuming inspections are better because it means less time spent inspecting the unit. Less time means less money spent.
Generally a townhouse inspection is done during a random, periodic review by a home inspector that belongs to the townhouse association. The purpose of this review is to find defects in the home and then give the inspector recommendations on how to fix them. The purpose isn't so, the inspector tells the owner they have a problem and to fix it. The purpose is so the inspector can get the money he or she is owed by the townhouse association. In the past, the owner could fix these defects without paying the townhouse association but since the laws have changed the owner must get permission from the inspectors before doing any repairs. This process can be very frustrating, especially when the inspector won't tell the owner they have a problem until the damage is significantly increased or the frame of the house has been weakened.
The advantages to the homeowner in having a townhouse inspection done are many. A reputable inspector will go over major components like roof, insulation, heating system, water heater, electrical system, plumbing system and air conditioning. He or she will also inspect interior and exterior structures. Since a townhouse inspection is done only once a year, it is critical to a homeowner that everything is fine. It's important to know whether or not the wiring is still in good shape, the interior and/or exterior walls are sound and the foundation is sound.
One of the main issues that come up when people have townhouse inspections performed is roof defects. These can be minor problems that can start out as just a small crack but over time can develop into more serious structural concerns. A good townhouse inspection should take care of this issue in no time. Some small roof defects can be fixed by a simple repair, while others will require a structural change. A good home inspector will know how to handle these situations.
When a home inspector decides to do a townhouse inspection on a single-family home, he or she will look for similar concerns regarding the integrity of the foundation and whether the walls are strong enough to support the weight of the home. Single-family homes are at risk of leaking because they are located in areas where the soil can easily carry sewage and other types of liquids. These types of liquids can cause the foundation to weaken and eventually fail. A home inspector for townhouses will usually perform site investigations so he or she can determine if there are any areas of concern.
The inspector may also check the attic and basement for problems. He or she will check for leaks around windows, sills, doorways and other common areas. If there is a problem, the inspector will report it in detail, offering recommendations on how to fix it. These are just some of the most common areas where a townhouse inspection can be helpful.
