The Benefits of a Home Maintenance Inspection

A home maintenance inspection is a good idea when you want to know the overall condition of your home and if things are working properly. It can help clear up any concerns you have about the health of your house.

What is a home maintenance inspection?

A home maintenance inspection is just like the inspection you get before you buy a home, except that you do it with no intention of selling the place. An inspector checks out all the main systems of your home—roof, walls, foundation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing—and gives you a full picture of any below-the-radar repairs that need to be completed.

Like an annual physical, a home maintenance inspection can catch major issues early, flag anything that might be starting to malfunction, and provide reminders of the regular maintenance that should be done on the house. This is a recommended way to keep little problems from turning into big problems. When you better understand your home and get alerted if there are any serious issues, you can prepare a plan.

The inspector can see the little signs that something is starting to go: small cracks, uneven wearing, or even just appliances such as water heaters and furnaces reaching the eventual end of their lives. They can also remind you of the regular maintenance you should be doing on your house.

Just like at a pre-purchase inspection, your inspector will walk you through the home, showing you what was found and explaining what it means. You have a chance to ask questions or get clarifications, and usually the inspector will point out things you should be doing regularly to keep all of your home’s systems functioning in tiptop shape.

Then, in a few days, you’ll get a written report detailing everything the inspector found. You now have an itemized to-do list to address whenever you choose.

Why should I get a home maintenance inspection?

Let’s take a look at a few benefits to a regular home maintenance inspection.

1. An inspector is a neutral third-party

If you think something in your home is in need of repair, it’s a good idea to schedule a home inspection first. The inspector will give you an unbiased list of items that need to be repaired or replaced. If the inspector finds an issue, they’ll supply a recommended course of action.

2. A home maintenance inspection can catch problems early

Often, you don’t realize something is about to go wrong until it’s too late. A regular home maintenance inspection can help you nip many home problems in the bud, which might save you a lot of money down the line. A regular inspection can help you catch inefficiencies in your home’s systems that can easily add up.

3. You’ll be more prepared to sell 

You may not be planning to sell your home, but it’s still a good idea to know the general condition of your home so that you can keep your house in prime condition for whatever possibility comes your way. 

Homes deteriorate over time, especially if left to their own devices. A home maintenance inspection is a crucial part of making sure your home stays in tip-top shape; otherwise, you may find that, when it comes time to sell, the home has fallen into an expensive state of disrepair.

If your home has gone many years without a maintenance inspection and related upkeep, it may even cause you to feel trapped there. If you know your home is in a worse condition than when you bought it, you may not feel like you can move—since you’re likely to lose money on its sale. A regular home maintenance inspection can help you stay on top of your property’s needs, keeping you confident that you have options.

4. Safety and peace of mind

Aside from the resale considerations, there are potential dangers to leaving your home’s condition unchecked for years. For example, your furnace may develop a clogged vent and begin a dangerous backflow of carbon monoxide into your home. 

Making a habit of scheduling regular home maintenance inspections can help ensure that your property is being kept in good shape and a safe condition for you and your family.

How often should you get a home maintenance inspection?

All homeowners would do well to get a home maintenance inspection regularly. Every 3-5 years is reasonable. If your home is older, you’ll want to stay on top of the aging systems and structural components to make sure you know when it’s time to do maintenance or replace anything that’s broken. 

Your home is probably the most valuable asset you will ever own, so it makes sense that you’d want to keep it in the best condition possible. When it comes down to it, a home maintenance inspection is a cost-effective way to keep your home in tip-top shape.

When was the last time you gave your home a good top-to-bottom review? 

Contact O’Brien Home Inspections to discuss what you get with our home maintenance inspection service.

O’Brien Home Inspections

Quality Home Inspections for London, St. Thomas and Middlesex County

Book your inspection online, or call 226-998-5821 or book online today.