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