COMMON PHYSICAL CONDITIONS ABOUT A PROPERTY A BUYER SHOULD INVESTIGATE
Repairs and New Construction The seller may have made repairs or added a room to the property. The buyer should feel comfortable that the work was properly done or have an expert evaluate the work. Request copies of permits, invoices or other documentation regarding the work performed.
Square Footage Square footage on the MLS printout or as listed by the county assessor’s records is often only an estimate and generally should not be relied upon for the exact square footage in a property. An appraiser or architect can measure the property’s size to verify the square footage. If the square footage is important, you should have it confirmed by one of these experts during the inspection period in a resale transaction and prior to executing a contract in a new home transaction.
Roof If the roof is 10 years old or older, a roof inspection by a licensed roofer is highly recommended. See the Arizona Registrar Of Contractors or the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association.
Swimming Pools and Spas If the property has a pool or a spa, the home inspector may exclude the pool or spa from the general inspection so an inspection by a pool or spa company may be necessary. Barriers: Further, each city and county has its own swimming pool barrier ordinance.
Septic and Other On-Site Wastewater Treatment Facilities If the home is not connected to a public sewer, it is probably served by an on-site wastewater treatment facility (septic or alternative system). A qualified inspector must inspect any such facility within six months prior to transfer of ownership. For information on current inspection and transfer of ownership requirements, contact the specific county environmental/health agency where the property is located or the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
Sewer Even if the listing or SPDS indicates that the property is connected to the city sewer, a plumber, home inspector, or other professional should verify it. Some counties and cities can perform this test as well.
Water/Well Issues You should investigate the availability and quality of the water to the property.
Soil Problems The soil in some areas of Arizona has “clay-like” tendencies, sometimes referred to as “expansive soil.” Properties built on such soils may experience significant movement causing a major problem. If it has been disclosed that the property is subject to any such soil conditions or if the buyer has any concerns about the soil condition or observes evidence of cracking, the buyer should secure an independent assessment of the property and its structural integrity by a licensed, bonded, and insured professional engineer.
Previous Fire/Flood If it is disclosed there has been a fire or flood on the property, a qualified inspector should be hired to advise you regarding any possible future problems as a result of the fire or flood damage and/or any subsequent repairs.
Pests Cockroaches, rattlesnakes, black widow spiders, scorpions, termites and other pests are common in parts of Arizona. Fortunately, most pests an be controlled with pesticides. Scorpions: Scorpions, on the other hand, may be difficult to eliminate. Bed Bugs: Bed bug infestations are on the rise in Arizona and nationally.
Endangered and Threatened Species Certain areas in the state may have issues related to federally listed endangered or threatened species that may affect land uses.
Deaths and Felonies on the Properties An Arizona law states that sellers and real estate licensees have no liability for failure to disclose to a buyer that the property was ever the site of a natural death, suicide, murder or felony, This information is often difficult to uncover; however, the local law enforcement agency may be able to identify calls made to the property address.
Indoor Environmental Concerns - Mold: Mold has always been with us, and it is a rare property that does not have some mold. However, over the past few years a certain kind of mold has been identified as a possible contributor to illnesses. Allergic individuals may experience symptoms related to mold. The Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Environmental Health, states: “If you can see mold, or if there is an earthy or musty odor, you can assume you have a mold problem.” - Chinese Drywall: There have been a few reports of Chinese Drywall used in Arizona homes. - Radon gas and carbon monoxide: Radon gas and carbon monoxide poisoning are two of the more common and potentially serious indoor air quality (“IAQ”) concerns. Both of these concerns can be addressed by the home inspector, usually for an additional fee. - Drug labs: Unremediated meth labs and other dangerous drug labs must be disclosed to buyers by Arizona law.
Property Boundaries If the property boundaries are of concern, a survey may be warranted. For example, a survey may be advisable if there is an obvious use of property by others (i.e., a well-worn path across a property and/or parked cars on the property) or fences or structures of adjacent property owners that appear to be built on the property.
Flood Plain Status If the property is in a flood zone, an additional annual insurance premium of several hundred dollars may be required (check with your insurance agent about cost and coverage). If the property isin an area deemed high risk, the buyer may be required by he lender to obtain flood hazard insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Insurance (Claims History) Many factors affect the availability and cost of homeowner’s insurance. Some insurance companies use a database known as the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (“C.L.U.E.”) in their underwriting practices to track the insurance claim history of a property and of the person applying for insurance coverage. Property owners may request a five year claims history from their insurance agent
Other Property Conditions
Plumbing: Check functionality.
Cooling/Heating: Make sure the cooling and heating systems are adequate.
Electrical systems: Check for function and safety
-----
If you have questions or concerns about the information above, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Comments (0)Subscribe to CommentsComment