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What is a home inspection - Calderon Construction Co - What you need to know
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What is a
home inspection?
It is a visual inspection of
the structure and components of a home to find items that are not
performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a
symptom of a problem is found the home inspector will include a
description of the problem in a written report and may recommend
further evaluation. Before you close, you need to consider whether
or not repairs are needed now and who's going to pay for them.
Why
is a home inspection important?
Emotion often
affects the buyer and makes it hard to imagine any problems with
their new home. A buyer needs a home inspection to find out all the
problems possible with the home before moving in. Once your
inspection is performed, do not wait on the agent to assist you.
Review the inspection and make a list of items you think the seller
should address and present them to the agent in a timely manner.
While the inspection is not meant to be a tool for re-negotiations,
many times it becomes one. Don't let your brother or uncle or a
friend do it. You are not saving any money by letting a friend look.
Even if he is a contractor, it does not mean that he is a good
inspector. You need a qualified unbiased inspection so when the
inspector does find problems, they won't be easily minimized by the
other parties because your uncle or friend did the inspection.
What
if the report reveals problems?
All homes
(even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a solution.
Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the
purchase price. If the inspector recommends further inspection by a
qualified person, this means that you need to get an opinion by a
qualified person before your inspection time period runs out on your
real estate contract.
What does a
home inspection include?
A home inspector's
report will review the condition of the home's heating system,
central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior
plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible
insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the
foundation, basement, and visible structure. Many inspectors will
also offer additional services not included in a typical home
inspection, such as mold, radon testing, water testing, thermal
imagery and heat/air loss inspections typically known as energy
audits without the diagnostics.
What should
I NOT expect from a home inspection? |
- A Home inspection is not protection
against future failures. Stuff happens! Components like air
conditioners and heat systems can and will break down. A home
inspection attempts to reveal the condition of the component at
the time the component was inspected. For protection from future
failure you may want to consider a home warranty
- A home inspection is not an appraisal
that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector
tell you if your should buy this home or what to pay for this
home.
- A home inspection is not a code
inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A
home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before
code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for
homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings
when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code
such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks
"Safety" not "Code" when performing a home inspection.
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Should I attend the home inspection?
It is often helpful to be there so the home
inspector can explain in person and answer any questions
you may have. This is an excellent way to learn about
your new home even if no problems are found. But be sure
to give the home inspector time and space to concentrate
and focus so he can do the best job possible for you.
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