So you found the home you’d like to buy, but is everything ok with the home? Are there any little (or big) problems on the horizon that you didn’t see at the showing? Maybe. That’s why it’s important to learn more about home inspections – why you need one, what it includes, and how it works.
1. Are inspections “automatically” part of every home purchase?
In Utah, if you use the real estate purchase contract provided by a realtor, and have a due diligence condition, you can have an inspection and may be able to negotiate repairs —either requesting a price adjustment, or asking the seller to make necessary repairs prior to completing the sale.
2. What IS a home inspection?
A home inspection is a comprehensive review of the systems, structure and general “health” of a home, conducted by a qualified, objective inspector. If there are any issues that may degrade the value of the home, or require immediate/near-term repairs, they should be revealed by a professional home inspector.
What is included will depend on the individual inspector, the local municipal codes, and the type of inspection(s) you request.
Basic home inspections should include visual inspections of the:
Roof
Foundation/framing (including wood rot)
Fireplaces
Plumbing systems
Electrical systems
HVAC (heating and cooling) systems
Interiors (doors, paint, floorings, ceilings, walls, windows, etc.)
Exteriors (siding, windows, doors, etc.)
Insulation/ventilation
Additional inspections may be done for:
Septic systems
The presence of radon, asbestos, lead, mold, or pests, meth
Dangers from flood, earthquake, landslide, or other natural disasters, based on location
3. How do I select an inspector?
You can ask me to recommend a good, qualified, local inspector. You can also find one on your own. Either way, you should consider the inspector’s qualifications, and confirm if they are bonded and insured.
You may also want to ask how long they have been in the business and request references from past clients. There are a number of state/national/international professional home inspector organizations; ask your potential inspector if they are a member of any of these groups.
Utah require licensing, or even specialized training, to become a home inspector, so do your own due diligence.
4. Can I be there during the inspection?
Yes, you can and should be. You will get a much better feel for your new house if you attend the inspection. If the inspector finds any problems, you’ll be able to ask questions, on the spot, and get the answers you need.
Inspectors can also offer guidance on how to properly maintain a home’s systems, which is always helpful for a new buyer. Be sure to take notes to review later, and to potentially share with the seller, so you will be able to get accurate estimates on the needed repairs.
5. What if the house I want fails inspection?
An inspection is an evaluation, not a test, which means houses can’t “fail” inspection. It’s a way to reveal any issues, or potential issues, that may negatively impact a buyer prior to completing a sale. It’s also intended to ensure both the buyer and seller are in informed agreement regarding the condition of the property that is changing hands.
Call me to help you out during the transaction. I would love to represent you buy making offers, negotiating, inspections, appraisals and everything
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