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Inspection
A Must
(Reprint
From Herald Sun Papers)
Home Inspection: A Must!
"Don't
Buy It Until I Inspect It" is the motto of one local
home inspector, Brent Willett, owner of Home Inspections
by Brent Willett, whose company provides a professional
real estate inspection service to the triangle area. Buying
a house is for most individuals the single largest investment
of their lifetime. The home buyer needs to approach this
endeavor with the proper knowledge to make a well-informed
decision. The average cost of a home inspection in the United
States is $290. This small investment up front before purchasing
a home has proven to be a wise decision for many satisfied
home buyers.
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of
the condition of a home. The main purpose is to determine
whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies
before the sale goes through. Mr. Willett says, "There
are literally hundreds of individual components that are
observed during a professional home inspection, but in general,
they fall under the areas of Grounds, Exterior, Foundation,
Roof, Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning, Interior,
Garage, Kitchen, and Bathrooms". A thorough examination
of these components will reduce the possibility of unpleasant
surprises or insurmountable financial burdens after the
sale is complete.
Mr. Willett says that his inspections also highlight the
positive aspects of a home. He adds, "In fact, many
of my observations or recommendations help to dispel home
buyer's anxieties, and provide useful repair and maintenance
suggestions". He chuckles when he tell a story about
one home owner (the seller) who lived in his house for six
years, only to find during an inspection for a potential
buyer that he had tilt-out windows. The owner's son had
been cleaning the windows of this two-story house from the
outside using a ladder.
"Dress
to do some exploring", suggests Mr. Willett. He encourages
and welcomes the buyer to explore every aspect of the house
with him, answering any questions along the way. Mr. Willett
makes this experience an educational one for the buyer.
He says, "As a result, they are educated about many
factors of their future home: location/size and how to change
air filters, how to operate foundation vents, location and
function of GFI breakers, locations of gas, water, and electrical
shut-off, and yes how to operate tilt-out windows".
The pre-purchase home inspection generally takes place after
the buyer has signed a purchase contract. Most purchase
contracts have a "right to inspection" clause.
If not, it is wise to ask your agent to include this in
the contract. A home inspection is not a guarantee or warranty
for the home. Also, it should not be confused with a municipal
code inspection that is done by the local building inspector.
After the inspection is complete, the buyer is provided
with a written report which addresses the systems and components
that were inspected. Commentary usually centers around system
type and general condition. In addition, any observed safety
hazard will be reported. Consultation is not only provided
during the inspection but also after the report is digested
by the buyer. This is usually done by telephone. It is important
for the buyer to sit down and thoroughly read the report
in its entirety, making notes on any questions that might
arise. Your inspector wants you to fully understand every
aspect of his report so take advantage of this consultation
time.
"Buying
a house is a major ordeal", says Mr. Willett. "Provide
yourself with peace-of-mind. Call a professional real estate
inspector"!
