Types of Inspections when buying a house in Olathe

When buying a house in Olathe, it’s important to have several types of inspections to ensure that you know as much as possible about the property’s condition. Here are some inspections you may want to consider:

General Home Inspection: A general home inspection is an essential step in the home-buying process. A professional inspector will examine the property’s major systems, such as the foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. This inspection will provide you with a comprehensive report of any issues or concerns with the home.
Pest Inspection: A pest inspection is a specialized inspection that will check for any signs of pest infestations, such as termites, rodents, and other pests. This is important to identify any damage these pests may have caused to the property.
Radon Inspection: Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be harmful if present in high concentrations. A radon inspection will test the home for radon levels and provide recommendations for remediation if necessary.
Mold Inspection: A mold inspection will check for any signs of mold or water damage in the home. This is especially important in areas with high humidity or where water damage has occurred.
Sewer Inspection: A sewer inspection can identify any issues with the home’s sewer system, including blockages or damage to the pipes.
Roof Inspection: A roof inspection will evaluate the condition of the roof and identify any potential issues, such as leaks or damage.

General Home Inspection/Whole Home Inspection

During a general home inspection, a licensed inspector will thoroughly evaluate the overall condition of a property, including its major systems, components, and structural elements. The inspection typically takes several hours, depending on the size and complexity of the home.

The following items are typically inspected during a general home inspection:

Foundation: The inspector will evaluate the foundation, including its construction and overall stability.
Exterior: The inspector will evaluate the condition of the exterior, including the siding, windows, doors, and roofing.
Interior: The inspector will evaluate the condition of the interior, including walls, ceilings, floors, and staircases.
Plumbing: The inspector will evaluate the plumbing system, including the pipes, fixtures, and water heater.
Electrical: The inspector will evaluate the electrical system, including the wiring, panels, and outlets.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): The inspector will evaluate the HVAC system, including the furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork.
Appliances: The inspector will evaluate the condition of any appliances that will remain in the property, such as the stove, oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator.
Attic and Crawlspace: The inspector will evaluate the condition of the attic and crawlspace, if accessible.

After the inspection, the inspector will provide a written report detailing any defects or issues found, along with recommendations for repairs or further inspections. It’s important to note that a general home inspection is not intended to be a guarantee of the property’s condition, but rather an assessment of its current state at the time of the inspection.

Pest Inspection

Another thing you will want to likely inspect when buying a house in Olathe is a pest inspection. During a pest inspection, a licensed pest control specialist will look for any evidence of pest infestations, damage caused by pests, and conditions that could lead to future pest problems. Here are some of the things they typically look for during a pest inspection:

Termites: Termites are one of the most destructive pests, and a pest inspection will look for any signs of termite activity, including mud tubes, wood damage, and discarded wings.
Ants: Ants are common household pests that can infest homes and cause damage. The inspector will look for any evidence of ant trails, nests, or damage to wood or other materials.
Rodents: Mice and rats can cause significant damage to homes and spread diseases. The inspector will look for any signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, and burrows.
Cockroaches: Cockroaches are another common household pest that can spread diseases and cause damage. The inspector will look for any signs of cockroach activity, such as droppings or shed skins.
Bees, wasps, and other stinging insects: The inspector will look for any evidence of bee or wasp nests or other stinging insects on the property.
Wood-destroying insects: In addition to termites, other wood-destroying insects can cause damage to homes, including carpenter ants and beetles. The inspector will look for any evidence of these pests.
Moisture issues: Moisture problems can lead to pest infestations, and the inspector will look for any evidence of leaks or other moisture problems that could attract pests.

After the inspection, the inspector will provide a written report detailing any evidence of pest activity or damage found, along with recommendations for treatment or further inspections. It’s important to address any pest issues before buying a home, as they can cause significant damage and health problems if left untreated.

Radon Inspection

A radon inspection involves measuring the levels of radon gas in a home or building. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be harmful to human health if present in high concentrations.

Here’s how a radon inspection typically works:

Radon Testing Device: The inspector will use a specialized radon testing device to measure the levels of radon in the air. There are two types of devices: short-term and long-term. Short-term devices measure radon levels for two to seven days, while long-term devices measure radon levels for more than 90 days.
Placement: The inspector will place the testing device in the lowest livable area of the home, such as the basement or ground floor. The device should be placed in a room that is frequently used, but not in a bathroom or kitchen.
Closed-house conditions: During the testing period, the home must be kept under “closed-house conditions.” This means that all windows and doors must remain closed, except for normal entry and exit. The HVAC system should also be set to run normally.
Retrieval and Analysis: After the testing period is complete, the inspector will retrieve the testing device and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will provide a report detailing the levels of radon in the home.
Follow-up testing: If the levels of radon are found to be high, the inspector may recommend follow-up testing to verify the results and determine the best course of action to reduce the levels of radon in the home.

It’s important to note that radon levels can vary over time and can be affected by factors such as weather, air pressure, and ventilation. For this reason, it’s recommended to have a radon inspection performed at least every two years, especially in areas with high radon levels.

Mold Inspection

Mold testing involves taking samples from a home or building to determine if there is mold present and what type of mold it is. There are several methods that can be used to test for mold, including:

Air sampling: Air samples are taken to measure the concentration of mold spores in the air. The samples are collected using a specialized pump that draws air into a collection device, such as a filter or petri dish. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis, which can identify the type of mold present and the concentration of spores.
Surface sampling: Surface samples are taken to identify mold growth on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors. The samples are collected using a sterile swab or tape and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Bulk sampling: Bulk samples are taken when a larger piece of material is suspected of containing mold, such as a piece of drywall or insulation. The sample is cut or scraped from the material and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

During a mold inspection, a certified mold inspector will also look for visible signs of mold growth and moisture problems that can lead to mold growth. They will conduct a visual inspection of the property, including areas where moisture problems are common, such as basements, attics, and bathrooms.

It’s important to note that mold testing is not always necessary, and in many cases, a visual inspection can be sufficient to determine if there is a mold problem. Additionally, even if mold is present, not all types of mold are harmful to human health. If mold is found, it’s important to address the underlying moisture problem and take steps to remediate the mold.

Sewer Inspection

Sewer inspections are typically performed using a specialized camera that is inserted into the sewer line to visually inspect the condition of the pipes. Here’s how a sewer inspection typically works:

Access: The sewer inspector will locate the access point to the sewer line, which is usually located outside the home or building. The inspector will then remove the cover to the access point and insert the camera into the sewer line.
Camera inspection: The camera is attached to a flexible cable that is fed into the sewer line. The camera sends live video footage back to a monitor, allowing the inspector to see the inside of the sewer line in real-time. The camera can be moved up and down the sewer line to inspect the entire length of the pipe.
Inspection report: The inspector will document any issues or defects found during the inspection, such as cracks, leaks, or blockages. The inspection report may also include recommendations for repairs or further inspections.

During the inspection, the sewer inspector will be looking for a variety of issues, including:

Cracks and damage: The inspector will look for cracks or damage to the pipes, which can be caused by age, tree roots, or shifting soil.
Blockages: The inspector will look for any blockages in the sewer line, which can cause backups and overflows.
Corrosion: The inspector will look for signs of corrosion, which can cause pipes to deteriorate and eventually fail.
Bellies or sagging: The inspector will look for areas of the sewer line that are sagging or have “bellies,” which can cause backups and blockages.
Misaligned pipes: The inspector will look for areas where the pipes are misaligned, which can cause leaks and damage.

A sewer inspection can be an important part of a home inspection, especially for older homes or homes with known sewer problems. If issues are found during the inspection, repairs or further inspections may be recommended to ensure that the sewer line is functioning properly.

Roof Inspection

During a roof inspection, a certified inspector will evaluate the condition of the roof to determine if it is in good condition and free from any damage or leaks. Here are some of the things that are typically inspected during a roof inspection:

Roof covering: The inspector will evaluate the condition of the roof covering, such as shingles, tiles, or metal panels, to make sure they are in good condition and free from any damage or wear.
Flashing: The inspector will look for signs of damage or wear on the flashing around chimneys, skylights, and other roof penetrations. The flashing helps to prevent water from seeping into the roof.
Gutters and downspouts: The inspector will evaluate the condition of the gutters and downspouts to ensure that they are properly installed and free from any damage or clogs.
Roof ventilation: The inspector will check for proper roof ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and ensure the longevity of the roof covering.
Roof structure: The inspector will evaluate the condition of the roof structure, such as the decking or rafters, to make sure they are free from any damage or rot.
Roof slope and drainage: The inspector will evaluate the slope of the roof to make sure it is sufficient to prevent water buildup and evaluate the condition of the roof drainage system to ensure that water is being properly channeled away from the roof and the house.
Chimneys: The inspector will inspect the condition of the chimney and flue to make sure they are free from any damage or blockages.

If issues are found during the inspection, the inspector may recommend repairs or further evaluation by a specialist. A roof inspection is an important part of a home inspection, as it can help identify issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye and can help ensure the safety and longevity of the roof.

So as you can see there is a lot to consider when buying a house in Olathe. You will likely want to have all of the major sytems inspected at a minimum to make sure that you are buying a solid home and not a money pit that’s full of issues.