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Everything About Home Inspections:
What do you get? Are they necessary? Why should I pay for a home
inspection? Isn't that something the buyer's usually pay for?
Buyer’s often feel a home inspection isn’t necessary especially if
they are buying new construction. However, even new construction can
have problems that are not readily identifiable. It would be hard
for you to know if the furnace leaks carbon monoxide or the chimney
is failing. Building contractors make mistakes too, so it is
important that each place gets a thorough inspection especially
because of the amount of money you are investing to purchase a
property. A $400 home inspection will provide great piece of mind
when spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home purchase.
Home inspectors can differ dramatically from state to state on how
they perform an inspection. Much depends on the home inspector and
which association, if any, he belongs too. If would be advisable to
ask your real estate agent for the names of a few reputable
inspectors in the area to interview. A good inspector may save you
thousands of dollars down the line.
Inspections will not report on everything that is in good shape but
notes will be made on any defect that needs attention especially
when there is moisture or drainage problems, foundation
deficiencies, problems with the furnace and air conditioning, roof
defects, and any health and safety issues. A general home inspection
check list will include structural elements dealing with the
construction of walls, floors, ceilings, roof and foundation. It
will also include an exterior evaluation of siding,
landscaping, grading, drainage, driveways and pathways, windows,
electrical lighting, trim, doors, and fences. The roof and attic will also be on the check list. They will look at the flashing,
gutters, ventilation, and type of construction. The plumbing will be inspected by looking at the type and condition of pipe
materials used. They will check the toilets, showers, sinks, faucets
and traps. Systems and components will be on their list. This
category will include water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners,
duct work, and any fireplaces. In ground sprinkler systems may or
may not be inspected. The electrical inspection will include
the main panel, circuit breakers, grounding, light fixtures, fans,
and all outlets to see if they are operating. All appliances will be checked to see if they are operating properly. This includes
dishwasher, range, oven, microwave, garbage disposal, and smoke
detectors. The garage will also be inspected with the same
scrutiny as the house.
Be aware that a home inspection may not identify asbestos, radon,
methane, radiation, formaldehyde, mold, mildew, fungi,
wood-destroying organisms, rodents, and lead. A specific license to
inspect for these elements may be required. When interviewing
inspectors be sure to ask what all they will inspect for you so you
know what you are paying for. A good inspector will climb up on the
roof to evaluate, as well as climb in the attic and under the house.
It is well worth the money to find out what you are getting in to.
If there are problems you were not aware of when making the offer,
it allows you a chance to re-negotiate with the seller on how to
solve the problems.
Lastly who usually pays for a home inspection? Well the buyer will
pay for their home inspection but many times I will advise my
sellers to purchase their own home inspection prior to listing their
home. The goal is to nip any problems in the butt early on. This way
when it comes to negotiating a deal down the line the buyer will
have little negotiating power because you will know exactly what, if
anything, is wrong with your home. Also, in many cases the buyer
will not end up paying for their own home inspection if you furnish
them the one you paid for. This helps with the sale too.
Getting inspections before selling a home usually pencils out nicely
because it prevents buyers from trying to negotiate further after
the home inspection. Also depending on the home problems it will
help the real estate agent with pricing.
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