Most of us are conscientious about getting an annual check-up from our doctor. That yearly physical helps us identify potential concerns in their earliest stages, allows us to treat issues effectively that need to be managed, and helps us ward off future problems before they can occur. It's a fundamental practice that is crucial to safeguarding our health. But what about the health of your home? The fact is an annual home inspection is just as crucial for maintaining the condition of your home as that doctor's visit is to maintain your physical well-being. Just like that medical check-up, an annual home inspection serves a vital purpose: It checks for potential issues that could end up being incredibly costly to the homeowner if left undetected and untreated. A serious problem can quickly drain your bank account and your home's equity by degrading its value and possibly leave you with an unsellable home not fit for human habitation.

Let's examine some of the many issues that a home inspection screens for:

Foundation Issues – It is entirely common for your foundation to shrink, swell, move, buckle, and crack. You are susceptible to damage, no matter where you live and how old your home is. For example, even the smallest amount of ground shift, which occurs naturally globally, can cause a foundation problem, even with a new home. As your home ages, the potential for problems grows exponentially. Water leaks are particularly devastating for homeowners, as a slab leak can quickly lead to rot and weakens the entire home's stability. Worse yet, the foundation's leaks are rarely noticed by the homeowner until considerable damage has already been done. According to Angie's List, the average cost of slab leak repair is about $2,000, and the longer the leak goes undetected, the more expensive the repair becomes. When extensive plumbing work is required, the repair cost can skyrocket to as much as $15,000.

Deterioration Issues – As your home ages, weather, everyday use, and time itself takes an unrelenting toll. Deterioration is a natural process that no homeowner can avoid. Roofing, siding, and building materials occasionally need repaired and replaced, and compromised materials that are not addressed will lead to other more costly problems and repairs. A roof leak is typically not detectable inside the home until it becomes serious and can cost less than $200 when found and addressed in its earliest stages. However, as the damage worsens, that repair cost is no drop in the bucket—it can end up costing over $10,000 for a new roof. When you factor in the cost of additional interior repairs resulting from that leak, you will likely need an extra bucket just for your tears.

Pest Issues – Pests such as rodents and insects will be attracted to your home. They need food, water, and shelter, just like you do. Unfortunately, they will happily make your shelter their own and will do considerable damage to get in. Some insects will devour the actual building materials of your home itself, like termites. In fact, termites often go undiscovered until there is a large infestation and cause an estimated $5 billion in damage to structures annually. Ohio is well known to be one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to termite infestations and insect problems in general.

Other Issues – There are many other factors that an annual home inspection covers. An inspector will look for defects in the main systems of your home, including electrical/wiring, plumbing, HVAC/air systems, and basic structural components like walls, attics, windows, basements, and doors. Not only will they check for material issues, but they will also assess your home for potential dangers to human health, such as radon. They know exactly what to look for and inspect even hard-to-access areas using the latest professional technology and equipment. They will also review local zoning code requirements to make sure you are complying. Most importantly, they will alert you to concerns and provide you with detailed, knowledgeable advice on how to best deal with the issues.

If you aren't making an annual home inspection part of your regular home maintenance routine, you are only asking for trouble. When you compare the exorbitant costs of home repairs and remediation against the nominal expense of an annual preventative inspection, it's a no-brainer. As a responsible homeowner, getting that inspection is by far the smartest investment you can make to protect your home, your family, and your pocketbook. By not doing so, you are taking a gamble that you are destined to lose.

ProPrecise Inspections is the most highly rated, trusted, and affordable inspection service in Ohio. We are a veteran-owned company that proudly serves our community with a steadfast commitment to excellence and your total satisfaction. We will empower you to make informed, smart decisions on your home's upkeep and help you avoid the costly repairs associated with an unprotected house. Unlike that trip to the doctor, we promise to keep it painless. Please give ProPrecise a call today.