Every homebuyer knows that a home inspection is a crucial stage of the home purchase process. However, did you know that there are a few cases where the "general" home inspection might not suffice? If the general home inspection isn't adequate, the next step is to call for a specialized inspection. Here are some of the cases where you may need specialized inspections:

The Neighborhood Is Prone to Natural Disasters

If the property is located in an area that is prone to natural disasters, and you fear their effect on your property, then you should ask for an inspection that specifically targets the issue. For example, if the property is located in a flood-prone area, you need reassurance that the house has not suffered flood damage in the past and has been constructed to prevent future flood damage.

For example, a specialize inspection that reveals water inside the concrete's surface (spalling), graying ash on the walls (left by dissolved salts) or signs of mold may point to past water damage. At the same time, an inspector can tell that a property has flood-proofing designs if it is built on a fill raised above the flood level, has waterproof materials on the lower parts of the house or has flood-proof walls.

You Are Sensitive About Environmental Health Hazards

If one of your greatest fears is to live in a house with environmental health hazards, then you should commission an inspection specifically to look for such things. Such an inspection will look for things like asbestos, lead, and mold. Hopefully, the inspection will clear any doubts you may have had about the house. If a hazard is indeed found, you can evaluate its danger and chances of a successful removal to help you decide how to proceed.

The General Inspection Reveals a Problem

Lastly, you may also need a specialized inspection to know more about a problem unearthed during the general inspection. In this case, the specialized inspection will tell you the extent of the problem, whether it has been dealt with and whether it can reoccur. For example, if the general inspection reveals signs of water damage in the basement, you would want to know how much the water affected the house, if the repairs were successful and if the problem is likely to reoccur in the future.

It's advisable to be present during these inspections so that you can get firsthand information and have your queries answered on the spot. You also need to keep your real estate agent in the loop at all times.

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