Q: What
items can I expect the home inspector to check?
A: Most home inspections will cover the major systems of a home such as roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and drainage. Other areas to inspect are the exterior portions of the home such as siding, decks, lanais, and garage as well as concrete walkways, & driveways. The interior items include doors, windows, walls, and flooring. Inspectors will identify and check the utility connections such as water, sewer, and air conditioning. Details on electrical system such as location, size, and condition of main electric panel are provided. Type of wiring and any noted hazards are included such as open junction boxes in the attic. Additionally, the appliances included in the sale are checked for condition and normal operation. Recommendations are made for future comfort and safety.
Q: Who pays for the home inspection?
A: The buyer normally selects the inspector and pays the cost directly to the inspector at the time of the inspection. Sellers occasionally order and purchase a home inspection just prior to putting their home on the market. This helps establish the condition of the property and assists them in the State-required disclosures.
Q: I am buying a fixer-upper home "as-is", so the seller has already stated that he will not fix anything. How does this affect my need for a home inspection?
A: Remember that the purpose of the inspection is to get details on the condition of the property. You may need one more than ever, since you already know the home needs lots of work. You can use the inspection to determine what repairs will be needed. If you are planning to tear down the home, then you may not want to hire an inspector but you will need the inspection period to meet with contractors, architects, etc. and check on the zoning and building issues relating to the property.
Q: What
happens if the home inspection reveals problems with the property?
A: Because there are no perfect homes, all home inspections note problems and concerns! The purpose of the home inspection is to give the buyer as much information about the property as can possibly be obtained prior to the purchase. The inspector will probably look at the home in greater detail than has ever been done before. It is inevitable that some items of concern will be shown. Perhaps there are a few loose shingles on the roof. Maybe some of the shut-off valves under the sinks are frozen (true in most homes). There could be a stem leak in the shower. The possibilities are endless. What the home inspection will do is help avoid a lot of surprises after the buyer moves in.
Q: Does the seller have to fix problems shown by the home inspection?
A: No! The inspection is not a "punch list" of items for the seller to repair. The seller has absolutely no obligation to repair anything that shows up on the report. However, the buyer is not obligated to continue with the purchase if the problems are greater than expected. Sometimes a home seller will agree to do repairs in order to keep the buyer motivated to continue with the purchase.
Q: I have decided not to get an inspection. What's the worst that can happen!
A: After you move in, you will probably find numerous small items that you missed in your own investigations but would have been revealed by any competent home inspector. You may have lost an opportunity to negotiate with the seller on repairs or credits. There might be major problems that would have left clues for the inspector, which you now have to face yourself. You waived the inspection so you have little recourse now. Hopefully you got a great price and know a good contractor. Good luck!
Charles Coelho has
all of the following certifications:
IESO Certified Mold Inspector
Certified Residential & Commercial Property Inspector
Certified Pools, Spas, Piers & Bulkheads Inspector, Insured
Call now to book your home inspection.
Phone: (808) 226-6400