| When it comes to buying a home, it is sad to see | | | | - Plumbing system |
| how many people complete the transaction without a | | | | - Additions (such as porches, decks, garages, or |
| proper home inspection. The small fee paid for this | | | | carports) |
| service far outweighs the risks of not having one | | | | - Heating and air-conditioning systems |
| done. It can literally save you thousands (or even | | | | - Fireplaces and Chimneys (if applicable) |
| hundreds of thousands) in costs after you have | | | | - Grading and drainage of the property |
| made your purchase. | | | | - Other items specific to the home or area |
| The simple fact is that not every home is what it | | | | When the inspection is complete you will receive a |
| appears to be. Just because the home looks clean | | | | report stating the condition of almost all aspects of |
| and well kept, doesn’t necessarily mean that | | | | the property. The report will also include a list of |
| there aren’t problems with it. There are many | | | | required repairs. In most cases you first receive a |
| types of issues that may arise if you avoid the | | | | summary report of all items that were found on the |
| added expense of a buyer inspection. Even if | | | | day of the inspection. Good inspectors will also supply |
| you’re buying a new home or a condo | | | | a comprehensive report through fax or email on the |
| – you should still get it inspected! | | | | night of (or the day after). |
| After you have negotiated the terms of your | | | | The cost of the home inspection starts around $250 |
| purchase, it is highly suggested that you have the | | | | for an average home, and increases for larger |
| buyer inspection done. | | | | properties. This price pales in comparison to what you |
| Most states have what is called an option period, that | | | | may have to spend if you skip this important step. |
| allows you time to do this. During the option period | | | | You don’t want to end up footing the bill for |
| you still have the option of backing out of the | | | | replacement of a plumbing or electrical system, just |
| contract, or renegotiating to allow for repairs. The | | | | because you wanted to save a couple hundred |
| buyer is locked into the terms of the contract, but | | | | dollars. |
| should any issues arise you aren’t. This is the | | | | Maybe you are buying a new home or a condo, and |
| right time to have a buyer inspection completed. | | | | don’t feel the cost is necessary. Even in these |
| The inspection should be done by a licensed real | | | | cases you should pay to have a proper inspection |
| estate inspector. They will look through the house, | | | | completed. As a condo owner you may end up |
| find its flaws (even the cosmetic ones), and let you | | | | partially responsible for repair costs to the building |
| know about them before you put your money on | | | | itself. With the new home you don’t want to |
| the line. There are also optional inspections such as | | | | just take a builders word, or rely on new home |
| termite inspections, and septic inspections that should | | | | warranty. Other issues may arise that fall outside of |
| also be done if it applies to the area (or the home). | | | | the warranty. |
| Some of the items the inspector will look at with a | | | | Whatever type of real estate transaction you are |
| standard inspection include: | | | | completing, it is our suggestion that you take the |
| - The roof structure, covering, and the attic | | | | steps to protect yourself. A proper inspection during |
| - Walls, ceiling, floors, and windows. | | | | the option phase may save you much frustration, |
| - Electrical system | | | | and a big bill! |