The homebuying process is different for everyone. Some find their dream home quickly, make an offer, and sign the papers. Others may have to make a few unsuccessful bids, expand their search area, and take their time before finding the perfect fit.

Whether it goes quickly or slowly, the last step in the homebuying process will always be crucial: the inspection.

A home is a huge investment, and the inspection helps you ensure you’re not biting off more than you can chew or getting a raw deal from the seller.

Inspections will most often cover the structural integrity of things like the foundation, electric, plumbing, and roof. But you also want to make sure that you don’t overlook the following areas:

Water Damage

A damaged or leaky roof can lead to water damage throughout a home over time. This creates the perfect environment for mold to grow and spread, bringing with it an unpleasant odor and unhealthy breathing conditions. When mold becomes widespread enough, it can require massive investments of time and resources to take care of the problem.

HVAC System

Controlling the temperature and ventilation in a home are crucial in creating a healthy and comfortable environment. Your inspector should make sure the units and ductwork are functioning properly, and that any air filters have been changed out before the move.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation. Long-term exposure to this odorless gas can increase the risk of lung cancer. Thankfully, presale testing for radon is mandatory in 37 states and is becoming more common everywhere.

Carbon Monoxide

Alarms for this deadly gas are required by law in many areas, and should be on each floor of a dwelling, at the very least. Make sure the home’s alarms are updated to modern standards and are functioning normally.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Known as “VOCs”, these gases come from certain chemicals, many of which are found in cleaning agents, building materials, furniture, paint, and other common household items. There are no current standards for exposure limits, but the Environmental Protection Agency recommends reducing the amount of sources in your home and properly ventilating a space when VOCs are present.

Install Healthy Air Solutions

Once you’ve moved into your new home, you probably want to stick around a while. One of the best ways to ensure your home remains a Healthy Air environment for years to come is to manage air quality in every area of your living space. That’s why the AprilAire Healthy Air System® focuses on whole-house solutions for humidity, ventilation, air purification, radon mitigation, and more.