| If you are buying a new home, you absolutely need | | | | the property to tell you how much repairs would |
| to have it inspected. A home inspection can save you | | | | cost. That way, you will be able to decide if you can |
| from buying a home that needs more repairs than | | | | afford to fix your future home. If the repairs are too |
| you can afford to make. Home ownership is a big | | | | expensive, tell the owners. They might be willing to |
| step. A home inspection can save you from making a | | | | negotiate the price of the property due to the repair |
| big mistake. No matter how much you love a house, | | | | cost. Otherwise, you might want to look for another |
| make sure that you get it inspected. Once you | | | | property. |
| receive the results of the inspection, you can decide | | | | Laws pertaining to home inspections vary from state |
| whether or not to continue with the buying process. | | | | to state. Some states require that home inspectors |
| Although it can be difficult to take time off of work, | | | | be certified and follow government mandated |
| see if you can be present while the inspector is going | | | | inspection protocols. Although there are some |
| over your future residence. Not only will you be able | | | | differences between states, most home inspectors |
| to make sure that your home inspector does a | | | | follow similar guidelines. Your home inspector will |
| thorough job, but you will also be able to see any | | | | check every part of the house. The outside of the |
| problems first hand. This can be beneficial if you | | | | house needs to be in good condition. If paint is |
| decide to have repairs done later. Home inspectors | | | | chipped and wood is exposed, the owner will need to |
| can usually tell you exactly what the problem is, and | | | | repaint. Windows must open and close. Plumbing |
| you will be able to pass this information along to your | | | | should be functional throughout the entire home. |
| contractor. You will also sound informed when you | | | | Electrical requirements vary, but a common |
| speak with your repairman, which can help keep you | | | | requirement is that any electrical socket that accepts |
| from being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous | | | | prongs with three plugs must be grounded. The |
| contractor. | | | | home inspector will also evaluate the overall structure |
| If your home inspector states that the property has | | | | of the house, noting any damage to the foundation. |
| structural damage, you need to pay close attention | | | | You need a home inspection so that you will be able |
| to his findings. Although many of the problems that a | | | | to make a well informed decision about whether you |
| home inspection reveals can be fixed relatively | | | | should go ahead and purchase the house, or whether |
| inexpensively, foundation or structural issues can be | | | | you should just walk away. If the inspection goes |
| extremely expensive to repair. If your home | | | | well, you will be able to buy your home and move in |
| inspector says that the property has structural | | | | with confidence. |
| problems, consider having a contractor come out to | | | | |