Home Inspection Is A Must

By Author: Curtis Reddehase
Total Articles: 15
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Finding the perfect home can prove to be a challenging task when you consider the many possible issues a buyer faces. One of the major concerns a buyer faces is the structural stability and integrity of the entire home. Older homes that have been neglected over the years usually have more problems than ones where the owner or owners have kept up with the routine maintenance. Some of the possible major issues a new buyer faces are plumbing, electrical, and foundation movement. These can be very expensive to repair and most buyers don't have the expertise to tackle home improvements of this magnitude. So the question a buyer should ask themselves is how you protect yourself from costly repairs that could risk your investment prior to purchase. The answer is hiring a professional home inspector. A home inspector can perform a detailed inspection on the average 3 bedroom 2 bath homes for approximately $300-350. Some times the home inspection can cost a little more if the home is larger or if it has a well or septic system. Most Realtors can offer help with selecting a home inspector that has preformed inspections for them ...
... or their company in the past. Ask for a list of competent well qualified inspectors. Inspectors that have a good reputation of being fair as well as thorough can save you a lot more than the $300 to $350 they charge. The Realtor can then help the buyer negotiate repairs or a dollar figure to handle the issues found during the home inspection either before or after closing. This is where a buyer can also determine how solid the home is. Major foundation issues may be a sign that the property is going to cost you lots of time and money. If a home has significant movement in the foundation then there can bee other issues that result other than the home being tilted or unlevel. If the movement is significant enough the plumbing can be stressed to the point of breaking or worse yet leaking. Slow leaks are sometimes more difficult to find and can cause significant damage since water can be standing for a long period of time. Inspections should reveal electrical issues but if the foundation has moved and put stress on the electrical lines there could be future issues that happen after closing that need to be addressed. Drywall tends to be a very good indicator for the inspector. Certain areas like above doors and around windows give the inspector a clue to the possible movement in the home. It's not always a certainty but it can alert the inspector to look closer at the home. If there are signs the home inspector has found of issues weather they be foundation, plumbing, or electrical it is always a good idea to consult an expert in that field to be certain a larger problem doesn't exist and to also determine the cost of repairs. Inspectors are knowledgeable in all areas of construction but they may not have as much expertise as a person who's profession it is so it is always a good idea to consult with an expert in that particular field if there is a question on the home inspection