Friday, November 15, 2013

Home Inspections Are Important

By Morgana Gunt


A thorough home inspection is one of the most important steps before purchasing a home, and many buyers try to skip this step only to end up regretting it later when problems become apparent. You want to make sure you get a good one when you need a home inspection.

A home inspection evaluates the current condition of a house through a professional and objective evaluation. Home inspections are most often performed at the request of the buyer as part of the home buying process. Occasionally, the buyer's bank protects itself from risky investments by requiring it, but it also protects the purchaser from unforeseen problems. A seller may be asked to effect repairs, to pay for the repairs or to renegotiate the sale price, in the event problems are found.

Problems with a house may be addressed prior to putting it on the market, when the service is requested by a home seller.

The cost of common home repairs should be well understood by a competent home inspector. A professional home inspection is most valuable because it is unbiased and knowledgeable. According to industry accepted standards, a quality home inspection is non-invasive when performed. No holes will be drilled or walls removed by the inspector.

A typical home inspection will inspect the following areas:

A real problem area can be the roof. They should inspect the general shingle condition, flashings, gutters and downspouts, and the general structure of the roof that can be readily accessed for viewing.

Outside, the house should be looked at for defects in the wall coverings such as siding, flashings, brick or other materials; examine if the doors and windows fit; porches and steps for proper rails and general conditions including rot; something that may affect the structure of the house is the surface drainage. Cracks and out of square door frames may be signs of shifting, make sure they check for this; signs of water penetration.

A minor part of the overall cost of a real estate transaction, a professional quality home inspection is well worth what it costs, considering its value adds reliability and certainty. The cost of not knowing can be considerable - you just never know.

A home inspector looks at many things. Problems with the home will be identified by the inspection report. The findings will be described in straightforward language, often with pictures. The home inspector may visit the home with the client to point out the various findings in person.

The cost of a professional quality home inspection varies according to the size and the age of the house, but is usually in a range between $250-$500. Some inspectors offer special deals at a lower cost but it is important for the prospective client to determine if the special deal follows all industry accepted standards.

An inspection can help you market your house more effectively, if you are a seller. Minor repairs will pay off in getting a better price if you do them. Unnoticed and potentially costly repairs which will be needed for the house will be brought to a buyer's attention by the inspection. Deal breakers might arise. And if not, then having the inspector's evaluation can help you get the very best deal.




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