Home Inspections Avert Future Headaches
Suppose you bought a house and later discovered, to your dismay, that the stucco
exterior concealed a nasty case of dry rot. Or suppose that when you fired up the
furnace in the winter, you discovered a cracked heat exchanger leaking gas into
your home. The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises like these is to arrange for a
home inspection before you buy.
Home Inspections Help You Avoid Unpleasant Surprises
A good home inspection is an objective, top-to-bottom examination of a home and
everything that comes with it. The standard inspection report includes a review of the
home's heating and air-conditioning systems; plumbing and wiring; roof, attic, walls,
ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation and basement.
Getting a professional inspection is crucial for older homes because age often takes
its toll on the roof and other hard-to-reach areas. Problems can also be the result of
neglect or hazardous repair work, such as a past owner's failed attempt to install
lights and an outlet in a linen closet.
A home inspection is also a wise investment when buying a new home. In fact, new
homes frequently have defects, whether caused by an oversight during construction
or simply human error.
Getting an Inspector
Real estate agents can usually recommend an experienced home inspector. Make
sure to get an unbiased inspector. You can find one through word-of-mouth
referrals, or look in the Yellow Pages or online under "Building Inspection" or "Home
Inspection."
Home inspections cost about a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of the
house and location. Inspection fees tend to be higher in urban areas than in rural
areas. You may find the cost of inspection high, but it is money well spent. Think of it
as an investment in your investment – your future home.
Some builders may try to dissuade you from getting a home inspection on a home
they've built. They may not necessarily be trying to hide anything because most
builders guarantee their work and will fix any problems in your new home before you
move in. Some builders, in fact, will offer to do their own inspections. But it’s best to
have an objective professional appraisal - insist on a third-party inspector.
An Inspection Will Educate You about Your House
Education is another good reason for getting an inspection. Most buyers want to
learn as much as they can about their purchase so they can protect their
investment. An examination by an impartial home inspector helps in this learning
process.
Ask if you can follow the home inspector on his or her rounds. Most inspectors are
glad to share their knowledge, and you'll be able to ask plenty of questions.
Inspection Timing and Results
Homebuyers usually arrange for an inspection after signing a contract or purchase
agreement with the seller. The results may be available immediately or within a few
days. The home inspector will review his or her findings with you and alert you to any
costly or potentially hazardous conditions. In some cases, you may be advised not to
buy the home unless such problems are remedied.
You could include a clause in your purchase agreement that makes your purchase
contingent upon satisfactory inspection results. If major problems are found, you can
back out of the deal. If costly repairs are warranted, the seller may be willing to
adjust the home's price or the contract's terms. But when only minor repairs are
needed, the buyer and seller can usually work out an agreement that won't affect the
sale price.
Suppose you bought a house and later discovered, to your dismay, that the stucco
exterior concealed a nasty case of dry rot. Or suppose that when you fired up the
furnace in the winter, you discovered a cracked heat exchanger leaking gas into
your home. The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises like these is to arrange for a
home inspection before you buy.
Home Inspections Help You Avoid Unpleasant Surprises
A good home inspection is an objective, top-to-bottom examination of a home and
everything that comes with it. The standard inspection report includes a review of the
home's heating and air-conditioning systems; plumbing and wiring; roof, attic, walls,
ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation and basement.
Getting a professional inspection is crucial for older homes because age often takes
its toll on the roof and other hard-to-reach areas. Problems can also be the result of
neglect or hazardous repair work, such as a past owner's failed attempt to install
lights and an outlet in a linen closet.
A home inspection is also a wise investment when buying a new home. In fact, new
homes frequently have defects, whether caused by an oversight during construction
or simply human error.
Getting an Inspector
Real estate agents can usually recommend an experienced home inspector. Make
sure to get an unbiased inspector. You can find one through word-of-mouth
referrals, or look in the Yellow Pages or online under "Building Inspection" or "Home
Inspection."
Home inspections cost about a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of the
house and location. Inspection fees tend to be higher in urban areas than in rural
areas. You may find the cost of inspection high, but it is money well spent. Think of it
as an investment in your investment – your future home.
Some builders may try to dissuade you from getting a home inspection on a home
they've built. They may not necessarily be trying to hide anything because most
builders guarantee their work and will fix any problems in your new home before you
move in. Some builders, in fact, will offer to do their own inspections. But it’s best to
have an objective professional appraisal - insist on a third-party inspector.
An Inspection Will Educate You about Your House
Education is another good reason for getting an inspection. Most buyers want to
learn as much as they can about their purchase so they can protect their
investment. An examination by an impartial home inspector helps in this learning
process.
Ask if you can follow the home inspector on his or her rounds. Most inspectors are
glad to share their knowledge, and you'll be able to ask plenty of questions.
Inspection Timing and Results
Homebuyers usually arrange for an inspection after signing a contract or purchase
agreement with the seller. The results may be available immediately or within a few
days. The home inspector will review his or her findings with you and alert you to any
costly or potentially hazardous conditions. In some cases, you may be advised not to
buy the home unless such problems are remedied.
You could include a clause in your purchase agreement that makes your purchase
contingent upon satisfactory inspection results. If major problems are found, you can
back out of the deal. If costly repairs are warranted, the seller may be willing to
adjust the home's price or the contract's terms. But when only minor repairs are
needed, the buyer and seller can usually work out an agreement that won't affect the
sale price.
| 2008 RainMakers Real Estate LLC Site Designed by Kenoshabiz |
 | |  | |  | |  |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |