An Inspection
is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems
of a property. The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates
that over 50% of all homes for sale have at lease one (or more)
major defects. If you are thinking of buying a home, condominium,
or a commercial building, it should be thoroughly inspected before
the final purchase. A major concern of home buyers is being suddenly
confronted with major (and costly) problems after they take settlement
of a property. A home inspection/survey prior to your purchase
can reduce greatly reduce the chance of major problems being discovered
after the purchase.
A Home Inspection
can also be used as financial leverage in negotiating the purchase
of your home. You will be in a better position to renegotiate
the price downward if any major problem exist that you believe
the seller should pay for. For example: You make an
offer on a home contingent on your approval of a home inspection,
and the offer is accepted. Now, if the inspector was to
find that the hot water heater, although working, is nearing the
end of it's useful life and in his opinion it will need to be
replaced shortly you have two options.
1) You can
withdraw your offer because the home did not meet your approval
on home inspection.
2) You can
ask the seller to ether replace the water heater or credit you
for for the replacement cost of the new water heater.
As you can
see a home inspection can pay for it's self by being a valuable
negotiating tool.
As a seller,
if you have owned the building for a period of time, an inspection
can identify potential problems in the sale of your building and
can recommend preventive measures that might avoid future expensive
repairs. A complete inspection includes a visual examination of
the building from top to bottom. The inspector evaluates and reports
the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, heating
system, central air-conditioning system, visual interior plumbing,
and electrical systems, visual insulation, walls, windows, and
doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal
means are included in the report.
The purchase
of a home or commercial building is one of the largest single
investments you will make. You should know exactly what to inspect
both indoors and out, in terms of needed and future repairs and
maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural
problems. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a chronic roof leakage
problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The
inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional
opinion as to the condition of the property so you can avoid unpleasant
surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point
out the positive aspects of the building, as well as the type
of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the inspection,
you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you
are about to purchase, and be able to make your decision confidently.
The best time
to consult the inspector is right after you've made an offer on
your new building . The real estate contract usually allows for
a grace period to inspect the building. Ask your professional
agent to include this inspection clause in the contract, making
your purchase obligation contingent upon the finding of a professional
inspection.
No. A professional
inspection is simply an examination into the current condition
of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal
of a Municipal Code inspection. An Inspector, therefore, will
not pass or fail a building, but will simply describe its condition
and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs
or replacement.
If the inspector
finds problems in a building, it does not necessarily mean you
shouldn't buy it, only that you will know in advance what type
of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs
because of significant problems discovered by the inspector. Or,
more commonly, the seller will reduce the cost of the property
based on the cost of repairs.
Definitely!
Now you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the
condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You may
have learned a few things about your property from the inspection
report, and will want to keep that information for future reference.
Above all, you can rest assured that you are making a well informed
purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy or occupy
your property.
STRUCTURE:
The structure of the property is identified by the inspector;
in terms of material used, construction type, and the areas
that are/are not accessible. The inspector will determine whether
the main structural components are sound, free from rot or insect
damage, and strong enough to support the weight of the house.
Significant subcomponents, such as foundation type, framing
materials, etc. are listed in the report and their problems
are noted. The inspector also checks for major and minor problems
in the various structural systems of the building, including
the foundation, floor, wall and roof framing.
ELECTRICAL:
The properties electrical system is checked for capacity and
safety. The inspector evaluates the system in terms of its current
condition and considers its suitability for future intended
use. Upgrades and repairs are recommended where appropriate.
HEATING
AND AIR CONDITIONING:
The inspector assesses the capacity of the existing equipment
to produce comfortable conditions. By considering the age of
the existing equipment and the intended capacity, the inspector
can approximate the life expectancy and recommend appropriate
repairs or upgrades within a budget.
PLUMBING:
The piping and fixtures throughout the house are checked for
functional flow and life expectancies. The system is screened
for unsanitary conditions and potential repairs, such as freeze
vulnerability or spillage/overflow. The laundry equipment, tile
work, and domestic water heating equipment are surveyed as well.
Useful upgrades are itemized and near term replacements budgeted.
BASEMENT
/ CRAWLSPACE / SLAB:
Water seepage probabilities and structural problems are evaluated
and remediation advice is given. The inspector looks for possible
problem areas that could cause structural problems, such as
poor soil, surface drainage, close proximity tree roots, rotating
stoops, etc.
KITCHEN:
The appliance are operated and deficiencies noted. The inspector
recommends appropriate upgrades and approximates the life expectancy
of each piece of equipment. Depending on age and usefulness,
the inspector may suggest a budget for repairs from complete
renovation to typical minor problems such as appliance malfunction,
damage to floor seams, or inoperative door springs.
INTERIOR:
The inspector scans the wall, floor, and ceiling surfaces for
problematic conditions, such as visible evidence of water penetration,
potentially dangerous or toxic materials, fire hazards, or security
breaches. The ventilation and energy conservation aspects are
checked and appropriate upgrades are itemized.
EXTERIOR:
The inspector walks on the roof (where safe and appropriate)
and notes preservation deficiencies. Roof runoff controls and
landscape drainage are checked and improvements are recommended
where necessary. Stoops, steps, walks, and drives are checked
for voids, surface problems, and safety hazards.
