When you are selecting a home to buy in Michigan, you will likely hear about a home inspection. It’s a crucial step in the home-buying process, but do you know what’s actually included in a Michigan home inspection checklist?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the main areas covered by a typical checklist for inspecting a house, with some local Michigan-specific considerations to keep in mind. 

So, let’s start. 

Why Do You Need A Home Inspection?

A home inspection is important because it will allow you to discover any flaws or defects in a home that may be difficult to find. These might be foundation problems, electrical problems, or a leaking roof. The idea is to avoid getting a nasty shock and to determine whether or not the house is fit for living.

The Home Inspection Checklist: What To Expect

A home inspection checklist includes a comprehensive review of various parts of the house. Most of these can be considered normal for home inspections around America, but we will also highlight some Michigan-specific problem areas. 

Exterior Inspection

The house’s exterior is often the first thing the inspector looks at. They will look at:

  • Roof condition: Check for any signs of roof failure or weakness that show the roof is worn out. This is particularly true in winter because, in Michigan, the cold season is bitter and usually brings heavy snowfall.
  • Siding: A home’s siding can be made of brick, vinyl, or wood; any of these should be inspected for water damage, rot, or cracks.
  • Windows And Doors: Look for cracks that could lead to energy loss or inefficiency, especially during Michigan winters.
  • Foundation: Any signs of shifting or settling in the foundation should be noticed, especially cracks in the walls. Foundation problems attributed to climate change, specifically the freeze-thaw cycles, are not uncommon in the state of Michigan.

Interior Inspection

Another element in the checklist while inspecting a house is the interior. This is where most potential buyers get worried because they may not easily notice problems.

  • Walls and Ceilings: Inspectors will look for splits, dampness, or mold that might be a symptom of a larger problem with the plumbing or roof of the house.
  • Plumbing: This inspection includes checking for leaks in the plumbing system, checking water pressure, and determining the age of the pipes. Michigan has many old homes that may still have galvanized pipes, so this inspection is important.
  • Electrical System: The wiring in the house should be correctly done, and there should be no risk of a fire outbreak. Some older houses in Michigan will require rewiring to modern standards.

HVAC Systems

An HVAC system is crucial for your comfort. Winter in Michigan can be very unforgiving, so it is crucial that the HVAC works at its optimal level. The inspector will:

  • Check on the furnace; this is vital in Michigan, where heating is mandatory for months.
  • HVAC systems should also be inspected when purchasing a house during the warmer months.
  • Check for mildew and mold in the ducts as well.

Attic And Insulation

Michigan homes require proper insulation to conserve energy and provide proper comfort throughout the year. During an inspection, the attic will be checked for:

  • Proper insulation: Ensure the house is adequately insulated to keep fuel costs for heating or cooling to a minimum.
  • Ventilation: Insufficient ventilation may lead to moisture accumulation, which encourages mold or mildew growth.

Basement And Crawl Spaces

Michigan has a wet climate, and the high water table makes basement problems predominant. Inspectors will pay close attention to the following:

  • Water Damage Or Leaks: This work involves figuring out areas where water might be found in the basement.
  • Mold Or Mildew: These can thrive in damp Michigan basements and are unhealthy.
  • Structural Issues: Looking at beams and supports and physically examining the entire structure to establish where problems may originate. 

Pest Inspection

Every homeowner fears pests in their home, and inspectors will check for:

  • Termites: Though termite invasion is not common in Michigan, they cause damage where they exist, mostly in aged structures. So, they must be eliminated.
  • Rodents: Due to the cold weather, rodents can invade an attic or basement and, therefore, pose problems.

How Much Is A Home Inspection In Michigan

The first question many homeowners ask is, “How much does a Michigan home inspection cost?” Home inspections aren’t expensive; a typical inspection will cost just a couple of hundred Dollars. 

However, if the home is large, old, or has other complexities attached to it (location, for example), the cost may rise. The inspectors may charge extra for some specialized inspections, like mold, pest, or radon. However, a home inspection is worth any amount, given its multiple benefits.

How To Prepare For A Home Inspection In Michigan

Make Sure the Home Is Accessible: The safety passage to the attic and basement and all rooms in the house must be clear. The inspectors should have access to every single part of the house.

  • Be Ready For Weather-Related Issues: Since the weather in Michigan changes from time to time, a comprehensive inspection might be time-consuming during winter. Inspecting portions like the roof may be challenging in bad weather.
  • Ask Questions: Your inspector is there to serve you. Do not shy away from asking where, what, or how about issues you did not understand clearly.

Wrapping Up

A home inspection checklist is an essential part of the home-buying process. It assists you in identifying substandard and problematic homes that may be expensive to manage. In Michigan, factors like freezing temperatures, snow loads, and the potential for water damage from heavy rains make certain items on the checklist especially important.

Whether buying a cozy bungalow in Detroit or a larger home in the suburbs, understanding what’s included in the home inspection checklist and the typical costs can help you make a better-informed decision. Anticipating the worst might help keep the costs to a minimum, so it pays to prepare ahead of time.

A home inspection is your best bet against threats that your house might have. Don’t ignore it whenever you intend to buy a house. Blessed Assurance Home Inspection provides satisfactory home inspection services so you know the true worth of your home. 

Our team of professional and highly skilled inspectors provides quality home inspections that you can rely on. We cover everything from the roof to the basement and scan your house, even for the tiniest bit of problems. 

Call us now to schedule an inspection. You will be delighted with our services. You won’t regret hiring our services.

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