What are Home Inspections?

 

A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe.

Why do I need a home inspection?

 

Home inspections can be an important aspect of a real estate transaction for both the buyers and sellers. In today's buyer's market the old saying "location, location, location" has now changed to "condition, condition, condition."

Buyers: A buyer needs a home inspection to find out all the problems possible with the home before moving in and to ensure extra peace of mind in their investment. Many mortgage loans will require an appraisal of the property, but an appraisal is not a home inspection. Emotion or attachment to the property can cloud a buyer's better judgment of the condition of the property they want to purchase. Lew Sichelman's article in Realty Times, Should Home Inspections be Mandatory, addresses this issue "The inability to cover the high cost of repairing unforeseen or unknown problems is a major reason buyers default on their mortgages." The buyer should also be present at the time of inspection so that the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions the buyer may have.

Sellers: In the state of South Carolina sellers are required to fill out a property disclosure for their home prior to listing it on the market. A home inspection will enable the sellers to honestly fill out the disclosure. According to Kenneth Austin's article "Pre-Inspection Peace of Mind" in Realtor Magazine, "With a home pre-inspection, sellers have the opportunity to address any defects an inspector might find and have them repaired before a possible buyer even sees the house. That gives the seller and sales associate peace of mind that the property they're listing has no surprises awaiting them in the contract or appraisal." He further explains that a pre-inspection can "Eliminate last-minute price negotiating and the possibility that buyers might develop cold feet regarding a sale once their buyer inspection uncovers a needed repair, often bringing into question the whole purchase."

What should be inspected?

Professional and qualified home inspectors are fully trained in the proper operation of all commonly found home systems which generally include:

• Structural Components: Foundations, floors and walls.
• Exterior Components: Siding paint, windows, decks, garage doors, landscaping, elevation, drainage, driveways, fences, trim, windows, doors, etc.
• Roofing: Coverings, flashings, chimneys, framing, etc.
• Plumbing: Piping, fixtures, faucets, water heating and fuel storage systems, toilets, showers, sinks, etc.
• Electrical: Wiring, main service panels, conductors, switches, receptacles, etc.
• Heating: Equipment, safety controls, distribution systems, chimneys, etc.
• Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps: Cooling and air-handling equipment, controls and ducting, etc.
• Interior: Partitions, ceilings, floors, railings, doors and windows, etc.
• Insulation and Ventilation: Attics, walls, floors, foundations, kitchen and bathrooms, etc.
• Appliances: dishwasher, range and oven, built-in microwave, garbage disposal, and smoke detectors, etc.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for the home inspection?

•1. Clean the house

•2. Be on time

•3. Leave the utilities connected

•4. Provide workspace around furnace and water heaters

•5. Keep pilot lights ignited

•6. Provide access to attic and garage

•7. Leave keys for outbuildings and electrical boxes

•8. Clear away brush from exterior  inspection points

•9. Provide repair documents

•10. Plan to be present to ask questions

A home inspection starts at $250 and can take up to 3 hours to complete. Right now and for a limited time only, you can have your peace of mind free of charge when you buy with Drew Sineath and Associates. Please email Drew at Drew@DrewSineath.com for details.