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Why You Must Get An Inspection Before Buying A House
f you're in the process of electrical, plumbing, and
house hunting, here's a tip carpentry, you might want to
that you should pay careful consider hiring a licensed
attention to: contractor or engineer to do your
home inspection. It's more
Whether you are considering expensive, but if major
buying a brand new house, and problems exist - ones that most
older house in good shape, or a people could not identify - it
handyman special, get the will more than pay for
house inspected before closing itself.
the sale.
AT THE VERY LEAST, if you see
An inspection will cost you a few potential problems, hire a
hundred dollars, but the plumber, electrician, and
knowledge you will gain - and the carpenter to give you an estimate
money you can possibly save - are for any possible repairs. Some
a wise investment! will do this for a small fee,
some will do it free, but either
While a home inspection is way, it will be well worth the
recommended by any good realtor, peace of mind!
anyone who has been through the
house buying process knows that If there are any problems with
a home inspection is very the house, ask the seller to fix
important. In general (and it them.
may be different in your state)
home inspectors are NOT licensed The seller is NOT required to fix
contractors. them, so if they say no, you need
to decide whether you want to fix
So, while they will look at the them yourself (and if you can
overall condition of your even afford to fix them). Or if
you want to call off the deal and make sure your inspector is
look for a new house (but make licensed by the state in which
sure to consult with your lawyer you are buying the house (most
first!). These inspections cost states require this licensing,
money, but major surprises can but better to be safe). This may
cost you much, much more! help you later on if there are
any problems.
Make sure you look OUTSIDE the
house as well. It's YOUR money.
Have the septic inspected, have And YOUR house.
the well inspected, look around
the yard and check out the entire So do EVERYTHING you can to avoid
property. Don't overlook anything paying any more money than you
that might cost you money later have to!
on.
During the inspection, walk
Ask the sellers for service through the house with the
records of any appliances that inspector. Watch everything that
will stay with you, such as the the inspector "inspects" (and
furnace, central air does not inspect) and ask as
conditioning, etc. many questions as you want to
learn as much as you can about
Finally, get YOUR own inspector, the house.
not one connected with the
realtor. Look at everything - little and
big - such as outlets, switches,
And as with any major contract, faucets, small areas, phone
ask the inspector for references lines, etc. The inspector might
first, and contact them. Also, take a quick look at these items,
but make sure everything works - highlighted, but that's not
all light switches, outlets, etc. always the case.
If not, have the inspector put it
on the report. So take your time, and read the
report thoroughly!
After the inspection, you should
receive a written report. If ANYTHING is broken, or even
Make sure you read between questionable, consider hiring a
the lines of the inspection specialist - for the chimney,
report - and take your time pool, central air, etc. - many
reading the fine print. professionals will come out for
The sellers will want a response free to take a look at the items,
within a few days, and you don't and give you a quote!
want to miss the deadline.
Even if the sellers don't agree
But at the same time, take your to fix all the problems (which is
time reading through the report! likely, so don't worry) it's
better for you to know, and avoid
costly surprises after you move
You would think that items that in!
should be addressed would be
About the Author:
Kris Bickell is the owner of HouseBuying-Tips.com, a site that helps first time home buyers avoid the costly mistakes that many new homebuyers make. For more tips on buying a house, getting a mortgage, finding a realtor, and getting out of debt, sign up for the free "How To Avoid These 10 Costly Mistakes When Buying Your First Home" email course at: http://www.HouseBuying-Tips.com/. "© 2005 HouseBuying-Tips.com
Source: www.isnare.com
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