It's Been Inspected by 'Codes' . . .
One of the items that buyer's seem to want not want to pay for is a video sewer inspection. Have turned up sewer lines that had shifted, created a "buckle", and were waiting for all the water discharging at the same time (dishwasher, washing machine, perhaps a tub or kitchen sink) all draining together and creating a dam as the water backs up into the home. When nothing is found, the buyer usually thinks the fee is a waste of money. When something is found the fee becomes well spent.
Today’s hot real estate market often finds new home shoppers going to the on-site agent to purchase their new home in attempts to save having to pay commission fees. Of course, the on-site agent gets paid by the builder/developer and they will do their best to steer folks away from getting a home inspection as this will cost the builder more money to repair or upgrade construction short-comings.
Of course, they will often use the well overworked, “There’s nothing to worry about, this property has been inspected by ‘Codes’ and has been issued a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) by the Codes Department.” But what does the ‘Codes’ department catch and what do they look at? They will not go into the crawlspace, they rarely go into the attic especially if it does not have a pull down ladder. How much can they catch in their allotted 10-15 minutes?They did not catch this window that was installed upside down. (the drain hole goes to the bottom) To remove and re-install this window will cost the builder a lot. The brick around the window has to be removed, the window removed and re-installed, the brick put back in place and the drywall repaired and repainted. Had the buyer not had the property inspected, the cost of repairs would have been on them not the builder.
If you are purchasing a new construction property, hire an inspector and have your own real estate advisor. The on-site agent’s responsibility is to the builder, not you. Your real estate professional and your inspector are YOUR advocates. The money you will save far outweighs the fees you will pay. For the most part, the commission paid to your agent will often be paid by the builder. You owe it to yourself to do your due diligence.;-)
It is a GREAT day at Complete Home Inspections!
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