Besides your standard home and termite inspections, there are other physical inspections you may want to consider when purchasing a home:

Sewer line scoping:

You may want to scope the sewer line to ensure it is clear and in good working order. Especially, older cast iron sewer lines may have holes/cracks from corrosion or tree roots, excessive build-up, and/or offset areas at connections, causing leaks. Digging up old sewer lines and installing new lines can be very expensive.

Testing for asbestos:

If you are sensitive to asbestos and are buying a home built before 1979, you may want to test the popcorn ceilings and vinyl tile floors for asbestos. Continued inhalation of asbestos has long been considered a serious health hazard.

Testing your Photovoltaic System:

Over time, your PV system will save you a great deal of energy costs. You want to ensure that all your PV panels and related batteries that come with your new home are operating at full capacity. Also, you should check the type of energy plan you are on with Hawaiian Electric (e.g., what type of net metering agreement are you on?).

Pool Inspection:

Make sure your pool and pool equipment (with heater, if applicable) and the spa and spa equipment with heater are in good working order. Having a properly functioning pool and spa will definitely increase your family’s enjoyment of your new home.

Air Conditioning:

It is important to make sure your air conditioning system is cooling properly, clean, and free of microbial growth. Air conditioning is your best friend during the hot months in Hawaii, but if not maintained properly, it can lead to health issues and be expensive to replace.

Other Specialists may be necessary if the standard professional inspection, termite inspection, or any of the other inspections noted above call for quantifying certain deficiencies. These specialists include, but are not limited to:

-An electrician.

-A plumber.

-A Roofer.

-A mold remediation specialist.

-A contractor and/or vendors to quantify necessary repairs.

-A soil or structural engineer for settlement issues or structural termite damage.

Hiring an experienced real estate agent who is familiar with navigating the inspection process with their buyers should facilitate a more transparent purchase with fewer surprises after moving into the home.