Kristin Brown Provides a Few Notes On Home Inspections

June 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Whether you’re buying a new home or selling your current house, the sale is likely going to be contingent upon a favorable home inspection. Home inspections are intended to protect the homebuyer from buying a property riddled with hidden problems that might not be noticeable to the layman. Any homebuyer is going to want to make sure that a new home will not become a so-called “money pit” of endless repairs. And since lenders want to be sure that they are extending financing for a home that is in sound condition, most home offers include the contingency – or condition – that an inspection of the property will reveal no problems that could jeopardize its future value.

Here are a few things to know before the inspection takes place:

What parts of a home does an inspector investigate?

It’s important to note that an inspector does not care about what a home looks like. Shoddy interior decorating is of no relevance during an inspection. So if you’re concerned about that dated paneling in the study, don’t be. Inspectors are trained to look for problems or sub-par functionality in systems like the plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electrical systems, and the structure of the home itself. They look into roofs, exteriors, basements, attics, decks, garages, and even driveways to make sure all systems are in good repair and functioning acceptably.

What types of problems can be a concern in an inspection?

Depending on the scope of the inspection being performed (sometimes separate inspections are required in order to evaluate certain systems and features of a property), your inspector should be able to assess inadequate or antiquated electrical and plumbing systems as well as environmental problems such as water damage or the presence of mold. Inspections also check for cracks in the foundation or exterior structure as well as interior problems. Inspections can reveal high levels of radon, evidence of termite damage, and the presence of hazardous building materials such as asbestos. Depending on the nature of the problem, an inspector may recommend that you contact a specialist to investigate the issue more thoroughly.

Is there anything about a property that an inspection won’t check?

Not every home inspector is licensed for every type of inspection. Sometimes specific inspections are called for by either a homebuyer or a lender. Depending on the property, these might include a pool inspection, a septic inspection, or a pest inspection. You may decide to retain the services of an arborist to assess the health of trees on the property or a chimney inspector to report on the soundness of your chimney.

Should I attend my home inspection?

Buyers should be sure to be present to ask questions and clarify the nature of any problems that are discovered. You might actually learn a few interesting or important facts about your new home. The buyer’s agent may also attend.  It is generally best if the sellers leave the property for the duration of the inspection to give the buyers space and the privacy to discuss concerns with the inspector.

Above all, any home inspection should be conducted by a reputable, licensed professional with experience in home inspections. Your real estate agent is an important resource when arranging for an inspection and can point you in the right direction.

Contact: Jillian Gregoriou

Email: Jillian@exposeyourselfpr.com

Tel: 617-797-9869