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Home Inspection

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which means that the offer is only good if the home passes inspection for structural common good. Review how the home inspection works and what you should do to avoid surprises.
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Home Inspection:

Notes About the Home Inspection

The seller will be under contract

to deliver the plumbing, heating, electrical (including light fixtures and ceiling fans), air conditioning, fireplace, all built-in appliances, and if one exists, swimming pool in working condition.

The roof must be free of visible leaks and the structural component of the house must be good condition at the time of closing.

 

The buyer is not required but will be highly persuaded by their agent to have the home inspected.

You will be obligated to make or pay for repairs, if found during the inspection, to place the above items in working condition.

The cost of the repairs is subject to a repair limitation stated and agreed to in the sales contract.

 

What will they inspect?

Below is an example of an Inspection Report.

It will be a good idea to make sure these items are in working condition before the inspectors note it. You want to avoid scaring away potential buyers.


The Roof, Attic and Related Features:

roofing type and materials, flashing and joint material, insulation, gutters and down spouts, ventilation, skylights, vents, turbines or fans, chimney, any leakage.
 The Plumbing System:

supply lines and pipes, water pressure and drainage flow, fixtures and faucets, hot water heater, tubs, sinks, toilets, showers, whirlpool, laundry appliances, waste disposal.
HVAC/Fireplace:

heating type and condition, furnace, heat pump, duck work, registers and grills, fireplace flues.
 The Electrical System:

exterior service and meters, fuse and breaker panels, capacity, grounding, wiring, switches and outlets, electrical fixtures, any potential hazards.
Air Conditioning:

equipment type, ductwork, filters.		 Kitchen Appliances:

dishwasher, range burners, oven elements, grills, vents, microwave, garbage disposal, trash compactor.
Foundation and Exterior Structures:

foundation type and construction, settlement, water penetration, exterior walls, potential termite or rot damage, windows, doors, porches, garage, decks, swimming pools and pumps. 		Yard:

unstable soil, drainage, fences, grading, retaining walls, payments and driveways.
Download the Consumer Housing Inspection report from Freddie Mac as a guide: click here
Other Important Inspection Tests:

Other tests required by law or your vendor may include environmental and termite inspections.

You should test the home for radon, lead paints, and asbestos if you believe these tests may be necessary, particularly in older homes.

The home must also be free from active termite or other wood destroying insects. The seller agrees to furnish a letter or report from a reliable licensed termite control operator stating that the home is termite free.

Termite Control Information:
controlling termites and carpenter ants
protecting your home from termites
do it yourself termite control

Find pest control contractors:
search for pre-screened pest control specialists

Search Yellow Pages for:
pest control

 Completing a Final Walk Through:
  • run the appliances to see if they operate properly.
  • run the air conditioning and test for broken window seals.
  • investigate any bad floor spots.
  • check the walls for damage.
  • check the wall's and ceiling's paint/wall paper.
  • inspect the attic for structural damage.
  • eye under the outside eaves for structural damage.
  • investigate potential drainage problems.
  • check the driveway and sidewalk for damage.
  • check for paint peelings.
  • review the exterior for animal damage

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Home Inspection:

Seller Inspection

Though the buyer is obligated to pay the cost of an inspection, some sellers have their home independently inspected to avoid surprises.

find an INSPECTOR

 

Other Places to Look:

Ask your friends, family, real estate agent, attorney or lender to recommend a good inspector.

Look for inspectors who are members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or who are members of professional affiliations.

The ASHI sets the standards for home inspections and requires its members to abide by a code of ethics and standards.

ASHI Inspector search:
www.ashi.org

 

The cost for the inspection will vary between $250-350

The inspection usually takes 2-3 hours to complete. You should accompany the inspector so that you can ask questions and assess how much repair may be required, if any.

Most inspectors use a checklist that they mark and note any repairs as they inspect the home. The Inspection Report usually provides maintenance tips on how to keep the home and property in good shape.

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