| If you're in the process of house hunting, here's a tip | | | | air conditioning, etc. |
| that you should pay careful attention to: | | | | Finally, get YOUR own inspector, not one connected |
| Whether you are considering buying a brand new | | | | with the realtor. |
| house, and older house in good shape, or a | | | | And as with any major contract, ask the inspector |
| handyman special, get the house inspected before | | | | for references first, and contact them. Also, make |
| closing the sale. | | | | sure your inspector is licensed by the state in which |
| An inspection will cost you a few hundred dollars, but | | | | you are buying the house (most states require this |
| the knowledge you will gain - and the money you can | | | | licensing, but better to be safe). This may help you |
| possibly save - are a wise investment! | | | | later on if there are any problems. |
| While a home inspection is recommended by any | | | | It's YOUR money. |
| good realtor, anyone who has been through the | | | | And YOUR house. |
| house buying process knows that a home inspection | | | | So do EVERYTHING you can to avoid paying any |
| is very important. In general (and it may be different | | | | more money than you have to! |
| in your state) home inspectors are NOT licensed | | | | During the inspection, walk through the house with |
| contractors. | | | | the inspector. Watch everything that the inspector |
| So, while they will look at the overall condition of | | | | "inspects" (and does not inspect) and ask as many |
| your electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, you might | | | | questions as you want to learn as much as you can |
| want to consider hiring a licensed contractor or | | | | about the house. |
| engineer to do your home inspection. It's more | | | | Look at everything - little and big - such as outlets, |
| expensive, but if major problems exist - ones that | | | | switches, faucets, small areas, phone lines, etc. The |
| most people could not identify - it will more than pay | | | | inspector might take a quick look at these items, but |
| for itself. | | | | make sure everything works - all light switches, |
| AT THE VERY LEAST, if you see potential problems, | | | | outlets, etc. If not, have the inspector put it on the |
| hire a plumber, electrician, and carpenter to give you | | | | report. |
| an estimate for any possible repairs. Some will do this | | | | After the inspection, you should receive a written |
| for a small fee, some will do it free, but either way, it | | | | report. Make sure you read between the lines of the |
| will be well worth the peace of mind! | | | | inspection report - and take your time reading the |
| If there are any problems with the house, ask the | | | | fine print. The sellers will want a response within a |
| seller to fix them. | | | | few days, and you don't want to miss the deadline. |
| The seller is NOT required to fix them, so if they say | | | | But at the same time, take your time reading |
| no, you need to decide whether you want to fix | | | | through the report! |
| them yourself (and if you can even afford to fix | | | | You would think that items that should be addressed |
| them). Or if you want to call off the deal and look | | | | would be highlighted, but that's not always the case. |
| for a new house (but make sure to consult with your | | | | So take your time, and read the report thoroughly! |
| lawyer first!). These inspections cost money, but | | | | If ANYTHING is broken, or even questionable, |
| major surprises can cost you much, much more! | | | | consider hiring a specialist - for the chimney, pool, |
| Make sure you look OUTSIDE the house as well. | | | | central air, etc. - many professionals will come out for |
| Have the septic inspected, have the well inspected, | | | | free to take a look at the items, and give you a |
| look around the yard and check out the entire | | | | quote! |
| property. Don't overlook anything that might cost | | | | Even if the sellers don't agree to fix all the problems |
| you money later on. | | | | (which is likely, so don't worry) it's better for you to |
| Ask the sellers for service records of any appliances | | | | know, and avoid costly surprises after you move in! |
| that will stay with you, such as the furnace, central | | | | |