Whether you're buying a lovely old "fixer-upper" in Silver Spring or brand-new construction in Rock Creek Forest, you need a home inspection inside and out. Knowing what repairs need attention allows you to negotiate them into your offer, and the seller may then pay for some or all of the fixes. Or you can decide to keep looking. From the RealtyTimes website, here is some general information on inspections.
A home inspection will vary with the kind of property you are buying. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), a standard inspection will cover the following areas:
- Heating and central air systems
- Interior plumbing
- Electrical systems
- Roof, attic, and visible insulation
- Walls, floors, ceilings
- Doors and windows
- Foundation and basement
- Structural components
However, if an issue is hiding under yard debris, plants, or snow, the inspector is not required to move those things and isn't liable for missing the hidden problem. Nor are inspectors required to identify latent defects or to check systems not readily accessible. It's also worth knowing that inspectors do not have to note potentially harmful plants or animals such as termites and molds.
Remember that you don't have to reject a house just because it needs repairs. Every house needs something. You must decide what you can spend and/or how much work you want to do.
The bottom line is to find an inspector you trust and who is ASHI licensed, so that every issue that can be identified, whether in or out, will be spotted and noted. This will give you peace of mind as you make one very large investment.
Contact me, Mynor Herrera, today for expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda & Whitehall Condominium.
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