Prepare Your Property

Because More than half of all real estate on the market today has at least one major defect, any building being bought or sold should be professionally inspected. a fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural defects; water marks in the basement may indicate a chronic seepage problem. even new buildings may have structural or mechanical defects. simplify and expedite the negotiation process by having a thorough property analysis. Discover any pre-existing defects before it costs you your investment.

Whether you are buying or selling, property that is in good condition gives you a competitive edge by eliminating last minute repairs that slow down the negotiation process. Many household items may be taken care of with little or no cost. Some of these items will indicate to the inspector that the property has been well maintained.

1. Clean out any dirty gutters.
2. Divert all water away from the house, i.e., downspouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc. Grade should taper away from structure.
3. Trim trees, roots and bushes back from foundation, roof, siding and chimney.
4. Paint all exterior wood and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows and doors. 5.Seal asphalt driveways.
6. Caulk along tub/floor, tub walls, tub/shower/glass doors.
7. Replace any burned out light bulbs.
8. Check that bath vents are property vented.
9. Test all smoke detectors.
10. Update attic ventilation, if needed.
11. Clean chimney, fireplace or wood stove.
12. Get all windows and doors in proper operating condition, including cracked windows.
13. Put all plumbing fixtures, toilet, tub, shower, sinks, in proper working condition. Look for any leaks.
14. Check that toilets are secure to floor.
15. Install GFCI receptacles near all water sources; test all present GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
16. Check sump pump for proper operation.
17. Point up any failing mortar joints in brick or block.
18. Install chimney fluecap.
19. Remove rotting wood, firewood from contact with house.
20. Install proper vapor barrier in crawlspace and remove any visible moisture.
21. Clean or replace dirty HVAC filter.
22. Allow inspector access to entire property.
23. Don't do quick repairs. This will clue in the inspector that amateur work has been performed.

Finding a Qualified Home Inspector

Of the various individuals involved in a typical real estate transaction - lawyers, real estate agents, mortgage brokers, property appraisers and title searchers - most are ultimately accountable to higher authorities such as licensing boards or regulatory agencies. But there is one player who wields significant power and can make or break a deal, yet needs no credentials or mandatory education to do business. That player is the home inspector hired by the buyer.

Not too long ago a home inspection was considered a luxury for savvy home buyers or an escape-hatch for wary ones. Now, however, an inspection is a necessity. In fact, most real estate contracts make the sale of a house contingent upon an inspection report satisfactory to the buyer. Predictably, the increased demand for inspections has produced a bumper crop of inspectors - some who know what they’re doing and some who hope that you don’t.

Here’s how to separate the wheat from the chaff.

One way to determine if an inspector is qualified is to ask if he belongs to an organization that requires demonstrated levels of experience and expertise for membership. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), for example, requires inspectors to pass two tests and conduct at least 250 paid inspections before they are accepted for membership.

Another way to locate a good inspector is to ask for referrals. Try to get somebody recommended by someone you know, or by your realtor, by your attorney or someone who just bought a house.

The buyer should feel free to ask the inspector to explain the various systems in the house - such as the heating system and central air conditioning electrical system, etc. and the inspector should be able to provide clear and precise answers.

A good inspector should spend at least one and a half to two hour’s inspecting a home. He should be able to explain the exact condition of the house and not just say whether things are functional or not. The inspection itself should be set up at a time convenient to the buyer, not the inspector.

A good home inspector is like a doctor who’s a general practitioner, “They know a little bit about everything.”

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, and any possible additional services, such as septic, well, radon testing or wood boring insect inspection. However, do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of a professional home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from a home inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, and professional affiliations, as a guide.

Why Can't I Do the Inspection Myself?

Even the most experience homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He knows how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is an examination and observation of the exterior and interior of a residential property, including the grounds, the structure, and the mechanical systems to determine structural defects, broken or obsolete components and damage due to water, wear and tear and other conditions.

Why Do I Need a Home Inspection?

Buying a home is probably the largest investment you will make. You cannot afford to buy any property with multiple unknown problems.

If you purchase a used automobile you would lift up the car hood, look at the tires, sit and examine the inside and take it for a test drive. Maybe you might have a mechanic at a garage look at it for you and give you his approval to buy.

Well when you purchase a house why not have your house inspected before you buy. We are not talking about your friend or relative or a carpenter who works for a contractor, a plumber, a laborer or an electrician or even a contractor. They are not professional home inspectors. They do not look in the attic, look inside the furnace or boiler, test the furnace or boiler, test the water heater, look at the electrical panel and test the outlets & lights, check for insulation, operate doors and windows and all the systems and components.

If you are already a home owner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

What Does a Home Inspection Include?

The standard home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); plumbing and electrical systems; roof, attic, roof structure and ventilation, visible insulation; interior walls, ceiling, floors, windows and doors; interior and exterior foundation; basement and floor system.

What Does a Home Inspection Reveal?

No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you know in advance what to expect. A seller may make repairs if major problems are found. If your budget is tight, or if you don't want to become involved in the future repair work, this information will be important to you.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection? Definitely! Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will have that information for future reference.

Do I Have To Be At the Inspection?

While it's not required for you to be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it.