By 
It’s exciting to inspect your property. This is a chance to explore every corner of your new New Orleans, LA real estate. You should also test the appliances and run all the faucets. What else should be checked? Simply stated: All.
Every square inch of your house should be inspected by your home inspector, including the garage door and built-in microwave. Poor construction, poor electrical wiring, inefficient insulation and violations of building permits can all lead to costly home repairs. But don’t assume that a home inspector will be able to give you all the information you need about your house. Home inspectors take no responsibility for problems outside of their expertise. There are some areas home inspectors might be reluctant to “sign off” on. You can fill in the gaps by contacting additional inspectors who have expertise in eight of the following areas.
1. Roof inspection
If your inspector is not qualified to inspect the roof, you will need to hire a specialist. If the roof is covered in snow, it may be difficult for inspectors to inspect. It may be possible to add a special provision to allow you to extend Home Inspection in New Orleans LA time to accommodate the roof.
2. Inspection of chimneys
A chimney specialist should be hired if you or your inspector suspect structural damage or instability. To find hidden damage, the specialist can use a “chimney camera” (a small video camera that inspects the chimney from the inside).
3. Geological inspection
A geological inspection is a good idea for properties that are located on cliffs or hillsides or in flood zones . An inspector can find a serious drainage problem or ground-shifting issue and help you save thousands of dollars in repairs.
4. Sewer inspection
While an inspector might be able to tell if things are “flowing”, a sewer expert can see through your sewer line and find cracks and breaks between the house and the street. For properties with densely landscaped yards, where roots can cause cracks in the pipes and block them from flowing, a sewer inspection is essential. This inspection is vital and can prove costly.
5. Termite inspection
This inspection is usually paid for by the seller, as many banks and mortgage companies will require it before they approve a loan. No matter who pays for the inspection, ensure that you read the final report and verify that all recommended work was completed.
6. Inspection of moisture, mold, and toxin
You should check for moisture in any crawlspace or basement. If isn’t already, moisture indicates that there may be a mold problem. Make sure that your house is clean and free of mold, especially if it’s in areas near water bodies or lakes.
7. Asbestos inspection
An asbestos inspection is required if the house was constructed before 1975. Insulation around pipes, water heaters and ducts could be contaminated with asbestos. Consider asking the seller to pay the bill if the asbestos can be easily removed.
8. Inspection for nonconforming use
A specific additional inspector is not required to address the issue of nonconforming usage. Your inspector and your agent will usually work together to verify that all major and minor changes and additions have been permitted. Converted garages and sun porches can increase the square footage of a property, but if done incorrectly they can cause headaches when it comes time to make them legal.
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