Why Have a Home Inspection?
Suppose you bought a house and later discovered, to your dismay, that the stucco exterior concealed a nasty case of dry rot. Or suppose that when you fired up the furnace in the winter, you discovered a cracked heat-exchange leaking gas into your home. Just think if your house backed up with sewer water only to discover that there is a major blockage in your system that could have been avoided. The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises like these is to arrange for a home inspection and a sewer scope before you buy.
Home Inspections Help You Avoid Unpleasant Surprises
A good home inspection is an objective, top-to-bottom examination of a home and everything that comes with it. The standard inspection report includes a review of the home’s heating and air-conditioning systems; plumbing and wiring; roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation and basement.
Getting a professional inspection is crucial for older homes because age often takes its toll on the roof and other hard-to-reach areas. Problems can also be the result of neglect or hazardous repair work, such as a past owner’s failed attempt to install lights and an outlet in a linen closet.
A home inspection is also a wise investment when buying a new home. In fact, new homes frequently have defects, whether caused by an oversight during construction or simply human error.
The sewer scope will discover potential or current damage or obstructions (such as tree roots or off set pipes) that could be extremely costly if they are left unmitigated. A collapsed main-line can cost upwards of $6000 dollars and is not covered by home owners insurance or warranty. A backed up drain system can cause untold amounts of damage to the interior of your home. Best to be safe! Get your sewer inspected even if the home is newer. You will never know potential damage from installation and construction without it.
Getting an Inspector
I work with a group of Home Inspectors whom I highly. One of the important points of a home inspection is being sure to get an unbiased inspector. Our inspectors are highly trained in all aspect of home inspection and are unbiased in their opinions regarding any discoveries or issues that they might find during the inspection process.
Home inspections cost about a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of the house and location. Inspection fees tend to be higher in urban areas than in rural areas. You may find the cost of inspection high for your budget, but it is money well spent. Think of it as an investment in your investment – your future home.
Some builders may try to dissuade you from getting a home inspection on a home they’ve built. They may not necessarily be trying to hide anything because most builders guarantee their work and will fix any problems in your new home before you move in. Some builders, in fact, will offer to do their own inspections. But it’s best to have an objective professional appraisal – insist on a third-party inspector.
An Inspection Will Educate You about Your House
Education is another good reason for getting an inspection. Most buyers want to learn as much as they can about their purchase so they can protect their investment. An examination by an impartial home inspector helps in this learning process.
When the time comes for the inspection on your new home, I will be available to provide you with answers to any questions you might have during the process.
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