Home Inspection
Your lender may require a pest inspection to make
sure your new home is free of termites and other
wood destroying insects. If the pest report mentions
damage from an active or previous infestation the
lender will ask you to hire someone to verify the
structural integrity of the home. Neither of those
inspections takes the place of a home inspection
that examines the condition of the house and its
components.
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspector evaluates the structure of the
house, and gives feedback about other systems such
as the roof, plumbing, electrical system, heating
and air conditioning units, insulation, doors,
windows and more.
Are Home Inspections Required?
Home inspections are an extra expense and
usually optional, so do you really need one?
Probably.
Money might be tight for closing, but try to imagine
moving in and finding out that the air conditioning
unit isn't capable of cooling the house, or that
portions of the electrical system are substandard,
or that the chimney needs immediate repairs.
What if the Inspection Uncovers Problems?
First, your offer to purchase should have
included a detailed statement regarding your rights
to a home inspection. The standard contract used by
real estate agents may give you the right to back
out of a contract if a home inspection uncovers more
problems than you are willing to deal with. If it
does not, the wording should be added in the form of
a contingency.
Don't assume the seller will make every repair you
ask for. They may refuse to make any repairs at all.
Read your contract carefully before signing it so
that you understand the rights and obligations of
all parties. Never rely on a verbal
agreement--agreements must be in writing to be
valid.
Who's the best person for the job?
evaluate your new home. Experienced inspectors
have seen hundreds, or even thousands, of homes and
have the routine down-pat. They know exactly what to
look for, including all the little quick-fix tricks.
My brother can do it.
Some people truly do have a friend or family
member who can perform an inspection. But even
though your brother may have some building
experience he may not have the equipment or
expertise required to do a thorough evaluation of
the home. What if he misses a major problem? Will it
create hard feelings within the family?
I'm in love with this house, so it doesn't
matter.
So much in love that you're ignoring problems?
An inspector takes a clinical look at the house.
You'll get only the facts, and that's what you need
to make decisions about going forward with the
purchase. If you don't really care what problems you
might run into, go ahead. You're the only one who
can determine how much time, energy and money you
can devote to the house. But keep in mind that an
inspection that uncovers safety issues can help you
prioritize repairs.
It's a brand new home. There won't be any
problems.
Maybe in a perfect world. New construction isn't
always problem-free.
Article Source: about.com
Author: Janet Wickel
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