Home inspections come up quite a bit, and mainly "what should we inspect." This is something that people will answer differently. I do advise buyers to get inspections done. When the purchase contract is signed the buyer also signs a disclosure that states "Get a home inspection." In this post I will detail what some of the different types of inspections exist, and what options are available.
First, do a good general home inspection through a licensed home inspector. They will look in attic for issues, leaks, and insulation. He will check outlets for operation and a overview of the electrical system. He will check the plumbing system for leaks and operation. The overall structure will be viewed to look for cracks, broken, damaged components, or other signs of failure. This inspection will give you a good general idea of the overall condition.
Second, should the first home inspection show an issue with one part of the structure. It is sometimes good to follow up with a specialized inspection. For example, the home inspector may have identified that the roof may have wind or hail damage. This is a good time to have a roofer inspect further.
Third, get a termite inspection. Houses are made of wood (mostly) and termites love wood. Homes make a really expensive dinner date that you only get the bill to pay.
Fourth, if the house has a well and/or septic, inspect these items. If the day you close the neighbor stops in the say high and that your feces are running onto his property, you have a problem. Better know this before you close! In addition if the water is laden with E. Coli and other harmful bacteria probably want to pass on the whole drinking part! Many homes in South Central Missouri have septic systems and well systems and could have potential issues.
Fifth, there are several other specialized inspections that you may be interested in completing. Furnace/AC, wood burning flue pipes, environmental, lead paint, asbestos, radon, mold, etc.
Last, no matter what inspections you perform or don't perform you need to be comfortable with what you do. Inevitably, something will break a week after you move in, that's home ownership inspections or otherwise! There is such a thing as a home warranty, but that is another blog post.
Be informed and act accordingly. There are far too many horror stories when folks chose not to inspect a part of their home. Questions? Contact me anytime, I'm here to help! -MLW
First, do a good general home inspection through a licensed home inspector. They will look in attic for issues, leaks, and insulation. He will check outlets for operation and a overview of the electrical system. He will check the plumbing system for leaks and operation. The overall structure will be viewed to look for cracks, broken, damaged components, or other signs of failure. This inspection will give you a good general idea of the overall condition.
Second, should the first home inspection show an issue with one part of the structure. It is sometimes good to follow up with a specialized inspection. For example, the home inspector may have identified that the roof may have wind or hail damage. This is a good time to have a roofer inspect further.
Third, get a termite inspection. Houses are made of wood (mostly) and termites love wood. Homes make a really expensive dinner date that you only get the bill to pay.
Fourth, if the house has a well and/or septic, inspect these items. If the day you close the neighbor stops in the say high and that your feces are running onto his property, you have a problem. Better know this before you close! In addition if the water is laden with E. Coli and other harmful bacteria probably want to pass on the whole drinking part! Many homes in South Central Missouri have septic systems and well systems and could have potential issues.
Fifth, there are several other specialized inspections that you may be interested in completing. Furnace/AC, wood burning flue pipes, environmental, lead paint, asbestos, radon, mold, etc.
Last, no matter what inspections you perform or don't perform you need to be comfortable with what you do. Inevitably, something will break a week after you move in, that's home ownership inspections or otherwise! There is such a thing as a home warranty, but that is another blog post.
Be informed and act accordingly. There are far too many horror stories when folks chose not to inspect a part of their home. Questions? Contact me anytime, I'm here to help! -MLW
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