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