General Information
You've found the house, your offer has been accepted, and funding is in place. But before you start packing, be sure you hire a professional home inspector to make sure your house doesn't have any major defects that could cost you down the road.
A home inspection typically includes an examination of heating and central air conditioning systems, interior plumbing, electrical systems, the roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, foundations, and basements. Inspections may also include appliances and outdoor plumbing.
Once the inspector examines the house, he or she will write up a report with findings. If there are any major problems, you'll need to negotiate with the seller to either lower the sale price of the home, or determine how the problem will be fixed.
In fact, two in five resale houses will have at least one major defect that could cost you from a few hundred dollars to as much as $15,000 to repair, according to the 2000 HouseMaster Resale Home Deficiencies Study. Spending a few hundred dollars for a home inspection is well worth the peace of mind.
Problems to look for:
- Plumbing
- Defetive Water Heaters
- Clogged Drains/Septic Issues
- Leaks
- Bad Water Pressure
- Electrical
- Code issues
- Electrical Shorts
- Outdated/Unsafe service panels
- Bad receptacles
- Interior Structure
- Leaks/Water spots(especially basements/garage)
- Walls seperating from ceilings
- Air leaks around doors/windows
- Faulty/non-working appliances
- Holes in walls/floors/ceilings
- Signs of past fire/smoke damage
- Signs of past or existing mold problem
- Attics
- Water Damage
- Proper insulation/ventilation