Home Inspections
Buying a home?
The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time. This often includes a written report, a checklist, photographs, environmental reports, and what the inspector himself says during the inspection. All of this, combined with the seller’s disclosure and what you notice yourself, makes the experience even more overwhelming.
What should you do?
Relax. Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies for various systems and components, and minor imperfections. These are useful to know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:
Major Defects
Some issues that may come up on the inspection report are structural or foundation issues, roof issues, plumbing issues, electrical issues, heating/cooling system defects, water damage, and termite issues.
Major Defect Warning Signs
We also check for any warning signs and/or things that could potentially lead to future major defects such as a small roof-flashing leak.
Financing & Inhabitance Hinderances
In our inspections, we check for anything that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home.
Safety Hazards
Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electrical panel.
Often, a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).
Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Do not kill your deal over things that do not matter. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller’s disclosure, or nit-picky items.
Get Your Inspection Done Today!
With 25 years of combined experience in residential and industrial construction and advanced training through various organizations, you can rest assured that you’re hiring the best!