When it comes to buying a home, there’s one step you simply can’t skip: the home inspection. In this episode of Your Real Estate Mama, I sat down with Riaan du Plessis, the Certified Master Inspector behind Home Boss Inspections, to uncover the essentials of home inspections, the hidden pitfalls buyers need to watch out for, and even some of the wildest discoveries he’s made on the job.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Why You Need a Home Inspection
Riaan reminded us of a sobering fact: 85% of homebuyers opt out of inspections, often to save a few hundred dollars. That decision, however, can lead to costly regrets. “You’d never buy a car without a test drive,” Riaan said. “A home inspection is your test drive for the biggest purchase you’ll ever make.”
Even brand-new homes aren’t exempt from problems. Builders are often rushing to meet deadlines, and mistakes can happen. That’s where a professional inspector comes in—to ensure your investment is safe, sound, and free from unexpected surprises.
What Does a Home Inspection Cover?
At Home Boss Inspections, the focus is on the major systems that impact safety, functionality, and cost:
- Plumbing: From outdated polybutylene pipes to hidden leaks.
- Electrical: Ensuring panels and wiring are up to code.
- HVAC: Checking heating and cooling systems for efficiency and safety.
- Roof and Attic: Identifying potential leaks or structural concerns.
- Structural Integrity: Detecting cracks, foundation shifts, and other red flags.
Riaan’s team also uses advanced tools like infrared cameras to spot hidden issues such as insulation gaps, unseen leaks, and even potential electrical fires.
Red Flags to Watch for During a Walk-Through
While buyers may not have an inspector’s trained eye, Riaan shared a few red flags to look for when touring homes:
- Cracks: Check for cracks on both interior and exterior walls, especially near doors and windows.
- Gray Plumbing Pipes: Polybutylene pipes, used in homes from 1979 to 1995, were recalled and can cause significant issues.
- Water Drainage: Poor grading around a home can lead to water pooling near the foundation—an issue common in newer subdivisions.
- Hidden Damage: Look for signs of patchwork repairs, such as uneven paint or caulking, which may be covering up rot or other problems.
Mold, Termites, and Other Southern Hazards
Living along the Gulf Coast means dealing with mold and termites, and Riaan has seen it all. “Mold is everywhere in the South,” he explained, “but not all mold is dangerous.” His team can perform air quality tests to identify harmful mold types and levels.
As for termites, they can devastate a home before anyone notices. “They eat from the inside out,” Riaan said. Some sellers even try to hide the damage with fillers and paint, making an inspector’s expertise all the more critical.
Should Buyers Attend the Inspection?
Riaan recommends that buyers attend the final portion of their inspection. “You’ll get the most value when I can physically show you what I’ve found,” he explained. While the inspector needs quiet time to complete their work, a walkthrough at the end helps buyers better understand the report.
Riaan’s Wildest Discoveries
No interview would be complete without some of Riaan’s most jaw-dropping stories:
- Coffins in Crawl Spaces: Yes, you read that right.
- Envelopes of Cash: Found hidden behind a bathroom sink.
- Wildlife Encounters: From raccoons to (possibly) human bones, crawl spaces are full of surprises!
Credentials Matter
Not all inspectors are created equal. Riaan is one of only three licensed commercial building inspectors in his area and a Certified Master Inspector, a credential held by fewer than 5% of inspectors worldwide. For buyers outside Alabama, he recommends verifying credentials on websites like InterNACHI or Certified Master Inspector.
Contact Home Boss Inspections
Ready to book your inspection or have more questions? Riaan’s team is available seven days a week.
📞 Phone: 251-230-9595
🌐 Website: Home Boss Inspections
Investing in a home inspection is a small price to pay for peace of mind. As Riaan says, “We’re here to find the mistakes—before they become your problems.”
For more expert tips and home-buying advice, follow Your Real Estate Mama on your favorite podcast platform. Let’s make your house hunting journey as smooth as sweet tea on a summer day! 🏡✨
