|
Home Inspection
Most sellers are relieved when they have a fair offer and have accepted the price and terms of the deal. Both parties sign the contract and everyone is happy! Right? For the time being! Nearly every purchase and sale agreement now includes a contingency for home inspection. Ultimately, the intent of this contingency is to identify potential for major, expensive problems. Realistically, it becomes another opportunity for the buyer to enter into further negotiations with the seller.
The time to plan for inspection is before your property is sold and ideally before it is marketed! Below are some of the most common items that come up in inspection reports. Do a pre-inspection yourself and correct these problems now to avoid unnecessary expense and negotiation difficulties.
Structural or Foundation Problems
Is the home fastened to the foundation?
Are there substantial cracks or drops in the foundation?
Look for major ‘stress’ cracks for possible problems.
Is soil shifting causing cracks?
Leaky, clogged Plumbing or Rattling Pipes
Visually inspect for leaks at all faucets and valves
Are toilets running indicating poor sealing of tank parts?
Is water quality good? Is water running clear?
Do toilets flush appropriately?
Do sinks and tubs drain adequately?
Do you hear ‘water-hammer’ when opening valves or running water?
Are joints caulked and clean?
Roofing
Have there been any past or present leaks? If so – be sure they are corrected!
Are asphalt shingles curling?
Are shake shingles splitting?
Are there missing shingles? Wind damage?
Are gutters and downspouts clean and clear?
Rotting Wood and Windows
Inspect all window frames for deterioration and rot
Inspect decks, fences; trim boards, siding and doors
Wiring and Electrical
Is your electrical box properly marked and accessible?
Is the circuit capacity exceeded in any area of the home?
Do all outlets and switches work properly?
Are there an adequate number of circuits?
Are you using your electrical service safely?
Do you have a ‘fuse’ box or ‘breaker’ box? If fuses – consider updating now.
Heating and Ventilation
Is there sufficient insulation?
Is the furnace clean and are maintenance records available?
Has the filter been replaced regularly?
What is the age of the furnace?
Is there a cooling system?
Does the heating system duct to all rooms adequately?
Are you using ‘space heaters’?
Surface Water Problems
Is the basement or crawlspace damp or are there signs of water penetration?
Are there powdery mineral deposits on the concrete?
Does the house or basement smell ‘musty’?
Is there standing water in the crawlspace?
Is there a working sump-pump and/or drainage?
Other
Is your chimney clean and serviced properly?
Does the damper open and close freely?
Is the chimney safe from potential fire i.e., cracks and breaks in the masonry?
Is the sprinkler system operating without leaks or breaks?
Is there a working security system?
Do door & window locks function properly
Do windows, doors, garage doors open and close properly and completely?
Do your walk-through! Be the inspector. Understand the problems that exist in your home and prepare yourself ahead of the inspection. You can save yourself money and disappointment farther down the line!
|
