So you are a homebuyer and you have decided to do your own inspection. Your real estate agent (if you used one) probably highly recommended you have an inspection. Why? They know how much a home inspection is worth. They know you are buying a home that will be one of the largest investments in your life, as do you. They also know that inspections uncover issues that you most likely wouldn't think about or would not see.
I recently spoke to a homebuyer who had done their own inspection. He had looked in the attic, he had crawled under the house, he felt that he had covered all the bases. I asked if he had turned on the plumbing before crawling under the house-no, but, he said, that was a good idea. Yes! It is!
This is just one example of many ways in which a trained home inspector uncovers issues. I could write a huge essay about all the specific items to look for and how to look for them. Can you? I also have the tools necessary to check for issues.
It is hard to understand why anyone would put such a huge investment to chance.
Home inspections began in the mid 70's because homeowners were tired of realizing they had made this huge purchase with issues that cost alot of money to repair.
I am still surprised when someone mistakes me for an appraiser when I am an inspector.
Here's the difference: Appraisers decide the value of a home Inspectors tell you the condition of a home.
Your appraiser will tell you if he notices an obvious issue but they don't go under the house, they don't walk on the roof, they don't go in the attic-that's not their job.
Here are some questions to ask yourself, if you can answer them all then you should go to inspection school and find out the rest!
Do you know of all the recalled systems? electrical panels, wall heater, water heaters, etc.
Do you know how to spot wood boring pests? Where to look? Are they active/inactive?
Do you know if the roof is installed correctly? Is that important?
Is there proper ventilation and insulation?
Are all electrical receptacles grounded properly?
Is there proper venting on fireplaces and fuel burning appliances?
Do you have the tools to check out the systems?
The results of these few questions unanswered equals:
electrical fires, electrocution, infestation, structural failure, water penetration, mold, illness, air pollutants, wood rot and not to mention-buy it and then try to sell it. Is that inspector going to find something that you should have known when you bought it?
Whether you choose me or someone else-don't make that mistake. It could be an awfully costly mistake.
There are a whole bunch of people out there that buy fixers and remodel them. Some of these people are only concerned about the $. It's very easy to cover up defects, at least temporarily.
Most cover-ups can be uncovered with an inspection.
New homes? How about a brand new home with no insulation? There's a heating or cooling bill I would not want to see! It's happened. Sometimes it is just a mistake and sometimes it is a shortcut.
Be Smart-Be Aware-Get An Inspection.
Thank you for taking the time to read this
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