Once you seal the deal on your choice of Brighton homes for sale, you'll depend on a home inspector to advise you of any conditions you need to know about. The inspection report can give you the confidence to move forward with your purchase. Home inspections can also leave you confused by unanswered questions.

Our REALTORS® understand that no home inspection covers everything and some inspectors are more diligent than others. While one might give you a detailed narrative, another may provide a simple checklist inspection. It can seem unnecessarily complicated. To help you plan ahead for the alternate or supplemental inspections you might need, we offer our list of six items your home inspector might not check.

1. Waste System
   Unless your home inspection service is also a plumbing contractor, they won't have the expertise or equipment to inspect your sewer line. An inspection is important in older homes where deterioration causes sewage systems to fail. Consider hiring a plumber to perform these inspection tasks.
   
   • Run a camera through the sewage line
   • Determine if it's in good condition
   • Figure out the construction method
   • Inform you of root obstructions and other problems
   
   
2. Water Testing
   Water from both municipal sources and private wells may contain lead, PCBs, chlorine, arsenic or a long list of other pollutants. It's important to know that the water in your new home is clean and safe to drink but water testing isn't included in a home inspection. Ask your inspector if they do optional water testing or if they'll recommend a certified testing lab.
   
   
3. Pest Problems
   Home inspectors examine your home from top to bottom. but, most don't search for evidence of raccoons, mice, birds, termites or other small creature infestations. Many lenders require termite inspections depending on your home's location. Fortunately, pest companies perform termite inspections for free.
   
   If you want to be certain there are no raccoons in the attic or mice in the basement, you'll have to find an experienced "critter" service to do a paid inspection.
   
   
4. Resident Odors
   Pet smells, cigarette scents, and other odors are like living creatures residing in carpets, wood, and other porous surfaces. Smelly mildew and mold hide within walls and can make you sick. If a home seller is crafty with odor-masking scents, you won't notice resident odors during a walkthrough. After you move in, you still might not notice until a hot summer day when everything is steamy.
   
   A home inspector may explore a mold or mildew smell while checking out your plumbing. Otherwise, you'll have to figure out a way to perform your own odor inspection and detection.
   
   
5. Environmental Problems
   Mold, asbestos fibers, Radon, lead, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and other airborne contaminants are harmful and deadly. You can detect them with proper testing. Unfortunately, home inspectors don't include environmental contaminants on their checklists.
   
   Homeowners in most states must provide full disclosure about lead, asbestos and other conditions. If you need more assurance, you can hire certified inspectors to assess your risks. You can also purchase DIY test kits for some contaminants.
   
   
6. Rooftop Inspection
   Inspectors evaluate shingles, chimneys, and other roof-top elements but some do it from the ground. Make sure the inspector you hire climbs up a ladder for an honest look.

Your Brighton Real Estate Professionals

The real estate market can be complicated. It's not unusual to have questions. Contact us if you're buying or selling a home in the Brighton, MI area. We'll work with you to make the process easier.