If you’re expecting a baby via surrogacy, then you understand how much the cost of surrogate pregnancy can add up. Before welcoming your new baby into your home, it’s crucial to ensure that your living space is safe and secure. When you avoid inspections and maintenance routines, you may end up paying more down the road for expensive repairs. That’s why it’s important to achieve peace of mind and schedule expert home inspections.
Whether it’s checking the electrical system, inspecting the plumbing, or evaluating the structural integrity of your house, these expert home inspections can help identify potential hazards and prevent any accidents or issues that could harm your family. Consider scheduling these 10 inspections before your new baby comes home!
1. Electrical System Inspection
When preparing for the arrival of your baby, an electrical system inspection is essential to ensure the safety of your home. This inspection involves assessing the wiring, outlets, and electrical panels to identify any potential hazards like overloaded circuits or exposed wires that could pose a risk to your family.
It’s important to inspect the electrical system before the baby arrives to prevent any electrical-related accidents or fires that could harm your newborn. Signs that your electrical system may need repairs include flickering lights, tripped circuit breakers, or burning smells coming from outlets.
For this inspection, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional electrician who can conduct a thorough assessment of your home’s electrical system. Ideally, electrical systems should be inspected at least once every five years to ensure they are up to code and functioning properly.
2. Plumbing System Inspection
Another crucial inspection to consider before the baby arrives is a plumbing system inspection. This assessment will help identify any leaks, clogs, or issues with your home’s plumbing that could impact the health and well-being of your family.
A faulty plumbing system can lead to mold growth, water damage, and poor indoor air quality, all of which can negatively affect your family’s health. Common plumbing issues to look out for include slow drains, low water pressure, a lack of carbon steel pipe fitting, and water stains on walls or ceilings.
While you can perform a basic plumbing inspection on your own by checking for leaks and drips, it’s advisable to hire a professional plumber for a more comprehensive assessment. To maintain your plumbing system and to avoid the need for plumbing repair, regularly check for leaks, insulate exposed pipes, and avoid pouring harmful chemicals down your drains.
3. HVAC System Inspection
Before your baby arrives, one of the crucial expert home inspections is to have your HVAC system inspected to ensure it’s in optimal condition. This inspection typically entails checking the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units for any issues that could affect indoor air quality or energy efficiency.
HVAC issues can impact the health of your family by circulating dust, allergens, and pollutants throughout your home. Before the baby arrives, it’s important to address any HVAC problems to create a healthy living environment for your newborn.
While you may not need to replace your HVAC system entirely, regular maintenance and filter replacements can help improve its performance and efficiency. Well-maintained HVAC systems and investing in an energy efficiency home audit can lower energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and ensure your home stays comfortable all year round.
4. Roof Inspection
Another one of the expert home inspections to consider is a thorough roof inspection; it’s essential for maintaining the integrity and longevity of a property. Typically conducted by a professional roofer or inspector, this process involves a comprehensive assessment of various components of the roof to identify any signs of damage, wear, or potential issues that may compromise its functionality. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what a roof inspection typically includes:
- Exterior Inspection: The inspector starts by examining the roof’s exterior, checking for any visible damage such as missing, cracked, or curling shingles, like oxford metal shingles. They also check for signs of moss, algae, or mold growth. They also assess the condition of the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights to ensure they are properly sealed and intact.
- Structural Integrity: Next, the inspector evaluates the overall structural integrity of the roof, including the decking, rafters, and trusses. They look for any sagging or uneven areas that may indicate structural damage or inadequate support.
- Gutters and Drainage: The inspection extends to the gutters and downspouts, ensuring they are clear of debris and properly attached to the roofline. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to roof leaks and water damage.
- Ventilation System: Adequate ventilation is essential for regulating temperature and moisture levels in the attic space. The inspector checks for proper ventilation vents and assesses their functionality to prevent issues such as moisture buildup and mold growth.
- Seals and Caulking: Roof penetrations such as vents, pipes, and chimneys are prone to leaks if not properly sealed. The inspector examines these areas, looking for signs of deteriorated seals or caulking that may need repair or replacement.
- Interior Inspection (Optional): In some cases, the inspection may include an interior assessment of the attic space to check for signs of water damage, mold, or insulation issues that could indicate roof leaks or ventilation problems.
- Documentation and Recommendations: Finally, the inspector provides a detailed report of their findings, including photographs and recommendations for any necessary repairs or maintenance. This documentation serves as a valuable reference for homeowners and can help prioritize and plan for future roofing needs.
Overall, a comprehensive roof inspection is a proactive measure that can help identify potential issues early on, saving homeowners time and money in costly repairs down the line. By investing in regular inspections and maintenance, property owners can ensure their roofs remains in optimal condition and provides reliable protection for years to come.
5. Radon Testing
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation and pose a serious health risk to your family. Before the baby arrives, it’s important to test your home for radon to ensure safe indoor air quality. This is one of the expert home inspections you need to schedule!
Radon testing typically involves placing a monitor in your home for a few days to measure levels of the gas. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer, making it crucial to detect and mitigate any radon issues before your baby is born.
If high radon levels are found in your home, there are several ways to reduce exposure, including sealing foundation cracks, improving ventilation, or installing a radon mitigation system. By testing for radon before the baby arrives, you can create a safe and healthy living environment for your newborn.
6. Lead Paint Inspection
Lead paint is a hazardous material, especially for young children, as it can cause serious health issues like developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. If your home was built before 1978, it’s essential to determine if there is lead paint present before the baby arrives.
You can test for lead paint using DIY kits or by hiring a professional inspector to assess your home. Exposure to lead paint through dust or paint chips can lead to lead poisoning, making it crucial to identify and remove any lead-based paint before your baby is born.
If lead paint is found in your home, it’s important to hire certified professionals for its safe removal. Prevent lead exposure by regularly cleaning surfaces, wet mopping floors, and keeping your home dust-free to protect your family from the harmful effects of lead paint.
7. Pest Inspection
Pests like rodents, insects, and termites can pose a health risk to your family by spreading diseases, causing allergies, and damaging your home’s structure. Before the baby arrives, it’s crucial to have a pest inspection done to identify and address any infestations in your home.
Signs of the need for expert home inspections for a pest infestation include droppings, chewed wires, or nesting materials in your home. Hiring a professional pest inspector can help determine the extent of the infestation and recommend the best course of action to eliminate pests and prevent future infestations.
To prevent pests from entering your home, seal cracks and crevices, store food in airtight containers, and keep your living space clean and clutter-free. By addressing pest issues before the baby arrives, you can ensure a safe and healthy environment for your newborn.
8. Structural Inspection
A structural inspection is crucial before the baby arrives to identify any issues that could compromise the integrity and safety of your home. This is one of the top expert home inspections because it involves evaluating the foundation, walls, and roof for any signs of damage, cracking, or settling that could pose a risk to your family.
Structural issues can impact the safety of your home by weakening its foundation, causing leaks, or leading to structural failure. Signs of structural damage to look out for include sloping floors, cracked walls, or doors that won’t close properly.
If structural issues are detected, it’s important to address them before the baby arrives to prevent any accidents or issues that could harm your newborn. Regular maintenance, foundation repairs, and proper drainage can help maintain the structural integrity of your home and ensure a safe living environment for your family.
9. Mold Inspection
Mold is a common household problem that requires expert home inspections and can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems for your family. Such issues can lead to high hospital bills that healthcare medical billing companies may call you about. Avoid this with an inspection before the baby arrives; it’s important to have a professional mold inspection done to identify any hidden mold growth in your home.
You can detect mold by looking for visible signs like water stains, musty odors, or discoloration on walls and ceilings. Areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens are most susceptible to mold growth due to high humidity levels and moisture build-up.
If mold is found in your home, it’s crucial to address it before the baby arrives to prevent any health issues for your newborn. Professional mold removal services can safely eliminate mold and prevent its re-growth by addressing moisture sources and improving ventilation in your home.
10. Home Security Inspection
Home security is a top priority for families with young children, as it ensures the safety and well-being of your loved ones. Before the baby arrives, consider hiring a professional for expert home inspections related to security to assess your current security measures and identify any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by intruders.
Essential features of a home security system include alarms, surveillance cameras, and smart locks that provide enhanced protection for your family. By improving the security of your home before the baby arrives, you can create a safe and secure environment that gives you peace of mind.
While you can implement additional safety measures like installing motion sensor lights, trimming shrubbery, and securing windows and doors, hiring a professional for a home security inspection can provide expert recommendations for enhancing your home’s security measures. It’s a good idea to ensure your deck in your backyard is up to date; in addition to investing in waterproof deck coverings, put a railing with a latch gate so trespassers can’t walk on your deck. By taking such proactive steps to secure your home, you can protect your family and create a safe environment for your newborn.
Before your baby via surrogacy arrives, it’s essential to prioritize the safety and security of your home by getting expert home inspections done. From assessing the electrical system and inspecting the plumbing to evaluating the structural integrity and testing for radon or lead paint, these inspections can help identify potential hazards and create a safe living environment for your family. By addressing issues like mold growth, pest infestations, or security vulnerabilities before the baby arrives, you can ensure a healthy and secure space for your newborn to thrive. Investing in professional inspections and maintenance for your home can offer peace of mind and support the well-being of your family as you welcome the newest member of your household.
