Having an offer accepted on your dream house may seem like cause for celebration, but you’re not done just yet. You still have the inspection hurdle to cross. You know, where things are not always what they seem to be? How a steak can appear to be cooked to perfection on the outside but once you cut into it…oops!

And yet, not all inspections are handled by the same person, which means they’re not identical. Plus, inspectors have strengths in different areas from one another. All of which puts some of the burden for the outcome on you and your agent.

So, before you agree to close, be sure these items, among others, are thoroughly inspected.

Oil tank. If the house is now heated with gas, find out if it was converted from oil and, if so, is the tank still on the property. You might be required to move it and that could involve a giant hassle and expense.

HVAC system. A standard home inspector will confirm that a home’s heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system (HVAC) is functional at the time of inspection but will make no not provide any assurance of long-lasting reliability. If the heating and cooling systems are more than ten years old, have them inspected on your own by a licensed HVAC technician.

Roof. Roof damage account for 39% of homeowner’s insurance claims, according to Trulia. Be sure to determine the age of the roof, have it inspected thoroughly and, if it’s still under warranty, if that warranty is transferable.

Water drainage and disbursement.  While external water damage is easy to spot, internal damage – especially inside walls and above ceilings – can be a much more difficult task. Ask the inspector to use an infrared camera to ensure there is no hidden water damage and a resulting infestation of mold.

Electricity system. There are numerous issues that can pose safety hazards for your family once you take up resident. One is called knob and tube wiring, usually found in homes from about 1880 to the 1930s. It’s often ungrounded and can lead to electric shock. Another safety hazard is a Federal Pacific Electric panel: When circuit breakers are tripped on those systems, it often leads to overheating and fire.

Asbestos. If the home you’re ready to buy was built before 1980, there’s a chance asbestos remains, even though it may be hidden under new flooring, just as one example. If left undisturbed, it might be safe, but abating it before it becomes a problem is often wise. Turner says you can find it everywhere from interior heating pipes to exterior shingles.

Waste systems. If the house once relied on a septic system but now has city sewers on the street, that doesn’t mean the septic tank has been removed. There have been instances where abandoned septic systems eroded and eventually caused a cave-in. That creates a risk of both property and personal damage.

What about an existing burglar alarm system? You’ll want to know who installed it, how long ago, and what it consists of. You also should ask the sellers if they still use it and, if so, how well satisfied they are. If it’s not up to your liking or insufficient for what you deem to be an adequate level of protection for home and family, contact Now Security Systems, and leave the rest to us.