If you’re buying a house, you probably want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. You don’t want to pay top dollar for a place only to renovate it due to structural flaws or other problems you should’ve seen coming. This is where house inspection comes in. It’s a constructive way to pinpoint all the house’s weak points before you decide to buy it. If you have ever considered a home inspection, you’re probably not sure what house inspectors are looking for in specific areas of the house. This article will cover what home inspectors look for in a kitchen.
Why Inspect?
Here’s the truth: even the most polished and modern-looking houses can hide secrets beneath. All you see when you’re buying a home is the shiny outside and never the rotten, broken, poorly put-up house foundation. You may think that there is no need for a house inspection if you are buying new home. But that’s not the case either. It’s always wise to do this before buying a house because you never know how well-built the place is and what materials were used.
While you’re probably not trained to spot signs of a bad foundation or other problems, reputable house inspectors can see them from a mile away. So, if you’re buying a new home and want to be super careful, you should enlist the help of home inspectors. After a few days or hours, you won’t have to worry about the houses’ hidden secrets because you’ll have a detailed report on all problem spots in the home.
Kitchen Inspection Checklist
Kitchen renovations can be costly. However, home inspections can help you avoid purchasing a home that will require that much investment from your side. If you hire home inspectors, here’s what they’ll look for in the kitchen:
#1 Electrical Issues
Electrical issues are nothing to be joked about. Since most kitchens contain a variety of appliances, it’s essential to check if the wiring is in good shape. If the wire cannot support the electrical load, it may short circuit or overheat, causing a fire. A home inspector will check the wire thickness and record any signs of fraying or other damage. They’ll also look for loose components and GFCI protection in receptacles.
Furthermore, they’ll check if any electrical components have been repaired incorrectly and if the pieces are too close to plumbing equipment. One of the biggest myths about home inspections is that sellers should try to fix all faulty things in the home to hide problem spots from the buyers and the inspectors. Often, when someone does this, they rush the job and cause more problems than initially.
#2 Outlets
Although this could fall under “electrical issues,” it’s also imperative to point it out separately. Although codes about this vary, at least one outlet per wall or kitchen island is necessary for most homes. There are typically detailed guidelines for the distance between each outlet as well. Your house inspector will be familiar with the local building laws and rules and evaluate each outlet in your kitchen to ensure that it is correctly spaced. If a kitchen doesn’t have the proper amount of outlets or they aren’t placed at a safe distance, an electrician will have to make changes.
#3 Plumbing Problems
Another thing that home inspectors look for in a kitchen is plumbing issues. This might be anything from a slight drop from the kitchen faucet to a considerable leak that causes rotting. This is a crucial part of the inspection because if a house inspector or homeowner detects plumbing issues early on, they can help you, as a buyer, avoid major repairs and expenditures. Even the kitchen leaks that appear tiny can sometimes result in mold or other significant property damage. Moreover, if you have small leaks you’re unaware of, you’ll waste gallons of water over time.
Aside from leaks, inspectors will also look for other issues in the kitchen, such as problems with the water heater, plumbing vents, and clogged drains.
#4 Appliances With Defects
Appliance malfunctions can become expensive very quickly, so you shouldn’t overlook their importance. Repairs are costly, and replacement cab is up to thousands of dollars. That’s why, during a home inspection, inspectors should check the operation of major built-in appliances. These usually include the stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, and garbage. Microwaves and other small equipment are seldom tested. When checking these appliances, they will look for burners on the stove that do not heat up, ovens and fridges that don’t work, ice makers that are leaking or are damaged, etc.
#5 Kitchen Cabinets
House inspectors frequently consider this to be an optional item to inspect. Even so, house inspectors often evaluate kitchen cabinets to ensure that doors open correctly. Moreover, they check that there is no mold or mildew within and that lighting and outlets in the area operate. The quality of the kitchen cabinets, even though they aren’t specified as part of the house inspection, can significantly influence a home’s “sellability.”
#6 Vents
Another thing home inspectors look for in a kitchen is how the vents operate. The kitchen vent is usually used to extract the steam and the cooking grease from the kitchen. However, in many kitchens, the range vent is just cosmetic. Just because it exists, it doesn’t mean it works. This is where the home inspectors come in. They’ll examine the range vent to see if the fan is turned on. Even if it can turn on, it still isn’t a sign that it works. Your inspector will search for evidence that it vents properly outside the house.
Final Thoughts
When hiring someone to do a home inspection, you must know what home inspectors look for in a kitchen. This will help give you peace of mind, knowing the inspectors checked everything. It will also let you know that the house you’re planning on buying has a functioning kitchen that doesn’t require any repairs or remodels.
2 thoughts on “What Home Inspectors Look for in a Kitchen”
Comments are closed.