Home Inspections!

The Big I Word.  Inspection DUN DUN DUNNNN

Home inspections are a big deal for everyone and although there are buyers that choose not to have an inspection done it’s not a good idea.  Even if you’re buying new construction you should have an inspection, builders and contractors make mistakes too. I can hear you asking the questions now. So what exactly does a home inspector do? Why do I need a home inspection? What do I do with the report once it’s done? What should I look out for when hiring an inspector?  All good questions and I am going to try and address them briefly in this blog.  First off, home inspectors are not required to be licensed in many states; however inspectors can be certified by a home trade association such as National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.  You also want to make sure they have a toxic and pest License.  There is specific license required to identify pests like rodents and mold, and toxic elements in your house such as asbestos, lead , radiation.  When hiring defiantly do your homework.  This is your future home now is not the time to skimp.  Some things to beware of are inspectors that say “I can repair that for you.” I would avoid any inspector who is advertising his repair service in conjunction with his inspection service. As a matter of fact in some states they are not allowed to work on a home for a year after inspecting it.  The other thing to look out for is an agent push one inspector over others.  It is one thing to recommend it’s another to require you to use their inspector. Again make sure you do your homework. 

Some of the things the inspector will check are:

Structural Elements, like walls, ceilings, floor, roof and foundation.

Exterior Evaluation such as wall covering, landscaping, grading, elevation, drainage, driveways, fence, sidewalks, fascia, trim, doors, windows, lights and exterior receptacles.

Roof and Attic, framing, ventilation, type of roof construction flashing and gutters.

Plumbing including identification of pipe materials used for potable, drain, waste and vent pipes. Toilets, showers, sinks, faucets and traps.

Systems and Components like water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning, duck work, chimney, fireplace and sprinklers.

Electrical main panel, circuit breakers, types of wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, receptacles, ceiling fans and lighting fixtures.

Appliances such as dishwasher, range and oven, built-in microwaves, garbage disposal and yes even smoke detectors.

Garage including slab, wals, ceiling, vents, entry, firwall, garage door, openers, lights, and roof.

Once the inspection is done you will receive a report.  If you hired an inspector worth his salt the report should note every item that’s defective or needing service. At this point you have some decisions to make?  How many and how sever are the repairs that need to be made.  Are you going to ask the seller to make the repairs or walk away from this home? Are the repairs minor enough that you will buy the home anyway and make the repairs yourself?  If there are major repairs that need to be made it is not a bad idea to hire a contractor and get an estimate. 

Remember no house is perfect no matter how well maintained or new it is.  Every home will have issues flagged even new homes.  Good Luck and Good Fiday.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com