HOME INSPECTION

The purchase of a home is one of the biggest investments people will make during their lifetimes. The home buying process can sometimes create anxiety for the prospective buyer. One way to relieve some of that stress is to obtain a home inspection. When buying a home, whether old or new, your offer should include a contingency for a home inspection. It's better to spend a little money up front for a good inspection report than to spend a lot of money on unexpected repairs after it's too late!

It should be understood that a home inspector does not appraise the property, make guarantees about the structural viability and building codes, make recommendations on whether you should buy the house or not, or find hidden defects. The inspector will find visible problems that could be overlooked by the real estate agent, the seller, and the buyer.

Before hiring a home inspector, ask them about their experience, education, and professional certifications. The inspector will normally check the foundation, doors, windows, roof, vents, plumbing, electrical systems, heating, cooling, ceilings, walls, floors, insulation, ventilation, and building exterior. They find problems in the property, its systems, and its components, and determine how much it may cost to maintain or repair the property. When completed, the inspector will issue a formal written report.

The ultimate purpose of the inspection report is to provide you with information on the property that you may have overlooked so that you can make a final decision to move forward with the purchase or to cancel the transaction.

A home inspection is also a valuable tool for sellers. Getting a home inspection before you place your home on the market helps you avoid any surprises for a potential buyer when they order their own inspection. As a seller, you can determine what repairs should be made, what repairs you won’t make, what contractor to use, and what issues or conditions require disclosure to a potential buyer.

Some of the benefits of a home inspection include:
1)    Knowledge: Allows the buyer to understand and be aware of what they are buying, whether the house is new or old.
2)    Peace of Mind: An inspection helps the buyer make a good buying decision.
3)    Savings: A home inspection will reveal any need for repairs, renovations, or replacements before you buy the home.
4)    Fewer Surprises: A home inspection limits the number of problems you may discover after you move in.
5)    Education: A good home inspection gives the buyer important details about his or her new home in addition to information about the home’s physical condition.

HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Here are some items you can inspect during your walk through when considering the purchase of a home.

HEATING OR COOLING SYSTEMS:
Turn on or turn up any heating or cooling system to make sure they are functioning properly. Make sure there is adequate air flow through the heating or cooling registers.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:
Make sure all light fixtures are installed and not broken. Look for any exposed wiring.
Turn on all lights to make sure they work properly. Bring a radio to plug into all outlets to make sure they are operational. Make sure the doorbell works.

PLUMBING:
Check all faucets to make sure there are no leaks. Make sure you run water through all plumbing fixtures for a while to ensure no leaks.
Flush all toilets to ensure proper drainage.

KITCHEN:
Turn on all appliances to check for leaks and to determine that they function properly.
Check for damages to counter tops and cabinets. Open doors and pull out drawers to make sure they function properly.

EXTERIOR:
Check all windows and screens to ensure that they are not damaged and work properly.
Make sure property has been properly graded so that water flows away from the building.
Check for water damage and cracks to the roof, doors, windows, and painted surfaces.
Check all roof gutters or downspouts to make sure they are in good condition.
Check for standing water.

INTERIOR:
Check for stains or cracks on walls and ceilings.
Check for evidence of termite infestation around door frames and closets.