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Monday, 11 November 2013

Home Inspections Matter

By Morgana Gunt


Many buyers try to skip thorough home inspection, only to end up regretting it later when problems become apparent; however, this is one of the most important steps before purchasing a home. You want to make sure you get a good one when you need a home inspection.

By assessing a house professionally and objectively, a home inspection evaluates its current condition. Home inspections are most often performed at the request of the buyer as part of the home buying process. Occasionally, the buyer's bank protects itself from risky investments by requiring it, but it also protects the purchaser from unforeseen problems. If there are any problems discovered, a seller may be asked to either renegotiate the sale price, or take care of the repairs and remedy the problem.

Sometimes the service is requested by a home seller so that problems with a house may be addressed prior to putting it on the market.

The best home inspector is likely to have acquired considerable knowledge of common home repairs and of their costs. A professional home inspection is knowledgeable and unbiased, this is the most valuable thing. When performed according to industry accepted standards, a quality home inspection is non-invasive. No holes will be drilled or walls removed by the inspector.

The following areas are inspected during a typical home inspection:

A real problem area can be the roof. They should inspect the general shingle condition, flashings, gutters and downspouts, and the general structure of the roof that can be readily accessed for viewing.

Outside, the house should be looked at for defects in the wall coverings such as siding, flashings, brick or other materials; check the fit of the doors and windows; steps and porches should be looked at for the general condition (ie. rot), their railings too; something that may affect the structure of the house is the surface drainage. You also need them to look for signs of shifting - cracks, out of square door frames; is water penetrating anywhere?

A minor part of the overall cost of a real estate transaction, a professional quality home inspection is well worth what it costs, considering its value adds reliability and certainty. The cost of not knowing can be considerable - you just never know.

A home inspector looks at many things. The report identifies problems found during inspection. The findings will be described in straightforward language, often with pictures. In person, during a visit to the home with the client, the home inspector may point out the various findings.

The cost of a professional quality home inspection varies according to the size and the age of the house, but is usually in a range between $250-$500. The prospective client must determine if the inspection follows all industry accepted standards, if a special deal at a lower cost is offered.

As a seller, you can market your house more effectively after an inspection. You may be able to make some minor repairs which will pay off in getting a better price. If you are a buyer, an inspection may warn you of unnoticed and potentially costly repairs which will be needed for the house. They may be deal breakers. Having the inspector's evaluation can help you get the very best deal if you do decide to buy the house.




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