Home Inspections: Are they necessary?
So you finally found that perfect house and you love everything about it. Before you purchase though, be sure to do one thing that can save you a big headache.
Home inspections are not mandatory but are necessary. If you are a smart consumer you will realize how much a home inspection is worth. You may have to put out $300.- $500. Per house for a home inspection but it will give you peace of mind when you get the report. It may be good or bad or at least maybe you can work with the seller.
Major issues to avoid are water damage, mold presence or any foundation damage. You should be leery of any homes that are “AS-IS”. Make sure if the house has well water or septic that they are certified by a qualified company which is usually a must to qualify for a loan.
You may have to hire two home inspectors, one for termites and pests (exterminator) and one for everything else. Some don’t do both. You will need a certification for termites most likely for the mortgage company. The roof will need to be good to get a homeowners policy, so even if you plan to fix the roof yourself, it needs to be done quickly.
When hiring a home inspector for your inspection, make sure they are not new in the business. It’s better to go with someone who has some experience.
A good inspector will teach you about the home and give you pointers on how things need to be fixed. He should go over the entire report with you and explain anything you don’t understand as well as tell you what needs to be done to correct it.
Most real estate’s cannot recommend a home inspection business to you although they can give you referrals. They are not allowed to endorse them though.
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Comments
This is extremely important information. We once made an offer on a cosmetically beautiful house only to learn it had unidentified dampness and mold. We walked away. I'm sure that inspection saved us a future filled with serious financial headaches.
I completely agree with this information! but I have to laugh at myself in regards to my droopy little house. I didn't DARE hire a home inspector - just went with my heart and a good carpenter who noted, "well, it hasn't fallen down yet lol) The bank did require a termite inspection & the roof did not need replacing so done deal.
Seriously though - anyone buying a home all done and ready to be lived in would be completely remiss not to hire a home inspector as anything could be staged and covered up. Good article with "listen to" advice.
Yes house inspections are very important. I like to trust people but got caught big time. The floors were unlevel - which did not notice because of furniture placement. Leaky pipes. Faulty toilet systems, House was never even cleaned out they just moved out. I had to start cleaning before could move in then the shock of mice sh.t in all the kitchen drawers really topped the bad moving in day off.
A house inspection would have picked up most of these faults. Good article
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