The Sharron Kelley Team » Why Every Buyer Needs a Home Inspection

Why Every Buyer Needs a Home Inspection

Sharron — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:18:58 +0000

Why You, as a Buyer, Need a Home Inspection

A home inspection gives you more detailed information to help you make a wise decision. In a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at your potential new home to:

Evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanical systems.
Identify items that impact the habitability of the home that will need to be repaired or replaced.
Estimate the remaining useful life of major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes.

What Goes Into a Home Inspection

A home inspection gives you an impartial, physical evaluation of the overall condition of the home and items that need to be repaired or replaced. The inspection gives a detailed report on the condition of the structural components, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, insulation and ventilation, air conditioning, and interiors.

Be an Informed Buyer

It is your responsibility to be an informed buyer. Be sure that what you buy is satisfactory in every aspect. You have the right to carefully examine your potential new home with a qualified home inspector. You may arrange to do so before signing your contract, or may do so after signing the contract as long as your contract states that the sale of the home depends on the inspection.

The Home Inspection

Sharron — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:11:30 +0000

Most buyers choose to have home inspections done at their expense when purchasing their new homes. In fact, may offers are subject to a home inspection. The home inspection allows you to buy a home with confidence. Some items on your inspection report will include:

Exterior

Exterior walls, windows, and doors; porches, decks, and balconies; garage.

Interior Plumbing System

Hot and cold water system, the waste system and sewage disposal, water pressure and flow, and hot water equipment.

Electrical System

Type of service, number of circuits, type of protection, outlet grounding, and load balance.

Central Air System

Energy source, type of cooling equipment, capacity, and distribution.

Interior Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Windows, and Doors Walls, floors, ceilings, stairways, cabinets, and countertops.

Roof

Roof type and material

Attic

Structural, the trusses, insulation, and ventilation information.

Fireplace

Notes about the chimney, damper, and masonry.

Garage

Doors, walls, floor, automatic garage door opener.

Appliances

Included could be a wide range of built-in and other home appliances listed in the purchase agreement.

Lot and Landscaping
Ground slopes away from foundation, condition of walks, steps, and driveway.