Home Buyer – Home Inspections

Types of Home Inspections

A pre-sale home inspection by an independent, licensed inspector is the most important step in the home buying process. It’s also a step many people are tempted to skip, because inspections aren’t usually required by law, and at $250 to $500, they aren’t exactly cheap. Don’t skimp however—a $500 investment at this stage of the game can save you from a potentially disastrous purchase, or give you ammunition to renegotiate a price should the inspector find issues. Some common home inspection types include:

• General: This is the standard pre-sale inspection that covers all aspects of the home. A general inspection usually takes two to three hours, and though buyers aren’t usually present for the entire time, meeting the inspector at the end of the visit for a review is quite common. General inspectors may also recommend specialized inspectors if specific problems are found.
• Foundation: This can be instrumental in determining any major foundation issues, including damage or movement.
• Pest: Termites, dry rot, and other biological issues can sometimes be hard to quantify. This inspection is recommended for older homes or houses in a rural location.
• Electrical: While a general inspection usually identifies whether or not a home’s electrical system is up to code, an electrical inspector can identify trouble spots or specific areas of concern.
• Roof: With most roofing jobs costing upwards of $5000, knowing the condition of the roof can help you plan for future repair costs, or negotiate a lower sale price if the roof is in rough shape.
• Environmental: A mold-infested house can appear normal, but can be an enormous health hazard. The presence of gases such as carbon monoxide, methane or radon can also be a potential deal breaker.
• Soil: Most prevalent for homes on hillsides or in mountainous terrain, having an inspection on the soil can help determine the fluidity of the ground. It can also spot soil contamination.

More Information…

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