Buying Your

Katy Cinco Ranch Richmond Area Home

For the BEST Price!

Fred, Miller, Realtor serving Katy, Cinco Ranch, Pecan Grove, Richmond, Westpark Tollway, Fulshear. www.RichmondKatyHomes.com

Chapter 14  Home Inspections

I would like to hire a professional to evaluate the home before I buy it. What does an inspector do?

For your own safety, and to make sure you will not have any ugly surprises. You should use a professional home inspector. A home inspector will check a home's plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical systems. He will look at structural problems and check the roof for leaks. He will check out appliances and the water heater. You may need additional inspectors for swimming pools and hot tub inspections, termite inspections, followup air conditioning and heating inspection.

Usually we call the inspector after you have made the offer and while you are in the Option Period of the contract. This allows you to find out the worst and decide whether you want to go through with the purchase while you have very little invested. Also he may find some things that you will want to ask the seller to repair or make an allowance for repair.

The inspector's job is to make you aware of repairs that are needed or necessary. He does not comment on cosmetic problems such as worn carpet or old interior paint. He will not tell you whether he thinks the home is worth the money you are offering. An inspection adds to your information to help you to make a clear headed decision.

We know several inspectors that we feel are competent and will do a good job for you.

Should I be present during the home inspection?

It is not required, but it is very much to your advantage. Many inspectors like for you to be there so they can show any problems directly to you, as well as, in a written report. If you are present you will be able to clearly understand the inspection report and to know exactly which areas of the home need attention.

Plus you get the answers to many questions, tips for maintenance and a lot of general information that will help you when you move into your new home. Most important you will see the home through the eyes of an objective third party.

Inspection Checklist

Your professional home inspector will visually examine all parts of the house, both interior and exterior. The following are areas of the home that will be inspected and included in your written report:

• Foundation and structure. Houston has lots of heavy clay soils that shrink when dry and expand when wet. This produces a lot of stress on foundations that may cause them to crack and separate. Proper drainage away from walls, proper ventilation and evidence of water seepage are important.
• Exterior Siding, Windows and Doors. Also balconies and decks
• Roof. Condition of roof and gutters and downspouts
• Interior Plumbing, including hot water heater
• Electrical service
• Central air and heat
• Interior walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, cabinets
• Attic. Insulation and ventilation
• Fireplace. Fireplaces can be a fire hazard structurally
• Garage.

Fred Miller, Re/Max Plantation, FredMiller9@gmail.com , www.RichmndKatyHomes.com , Office receptionist 281/342-2288 Cell 281/924-2531