An Article
by Your Guide, Janet
Wickell
(from
About.com)Your
lender may require a pest inspection to make sure your new home is free of
termites and other wood destroying insects. If the pest report mentions
damage from an active or previous infestation the lender will ask you to
hire someone to verify the structural integrity of the home. Don't confuse
either of those inspections with a true home inspection.
What Is a Home
Inspection?
A home inspector evaluate the structure of the house, and gives feedback
about other systems such as the roof, plumbing, electrical system, heating
and air conditioning units, insulation, doors, windows and more.
Are Home Inspections
Required?
Home inspections are an extra expense and usually optional, so do you really
need one? Probably. Money might be tight for closing but try to imagine
moving in and finding out that the air conditioning unit isn't capable of
cooling the house; or that portions of the electrical system are
substandard; or that the chimney needs immediate repairs?
What if the Inspection
Uncovers Problems?
Your offer to purchase should include a detailed statement regarding your
rights to a home inspection. The standard contract used by real estate
agents may give you the right to back out of a contract if a home inspection
uncovers more problems than you are willing to deal with. If it does not,
the wording should be added in the form of a contingency.
Don't assume the seller
will make every repair you ask for. They may refuse to make any repairs at
all. Read your contract carefully before signing it so that you understand
the rights and obligations of all parties. Agreements must be in writing and
signed by the buyer and seller. Never rely on a verbal agreement.
Still think you can do
without an inspection?
A qualified inspector is in the best position to evaluate your new home.
- Been
there, done that. Experienced inspectors have seen hundreds or even
thousands of homes and have the routine down-pat. They know exactly what
to look for. They usually know all the little quick-fix tricks, too, and
will tell you if they find cover-up attempts.
- My
brother can do it. Some people truly do have a friend or family member
who can perform an inspection. But even though your brother may have some
building experience he may not have the equipment or expertise required to
do a thorough evaluation of the home. What if he misses a major problem?
Will it create hard feelings within the family?
- I'm in
love with this house. So much in love that you're ignoring problems?
An inspector takes a clinical look at the house. You'll get only the
facts, and that's what you need to make decisions about going forward with
the purchase.
- I don't
care what the problems are, I want this house. If that's true go
ahead. You're the only one who can determine how much time, energy and
money you can devote to the house. But keep in mind that an inspection
that uncovers safety issues can help you prioritize repairs.
- It's a
brand new home. There won't be any problems. Maybe in a perfect world.
New construction isn't always problem-free.
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Providing you with peace
of mind in the quality of your home!
