Home inspectors are professionals trained to spot
problems and evaluate properties, but this doesn’t mean you should neglect to
evaluate a home thoroughly before you buy.
Here are some commonly overlooked
areas you can check for yourself.
Home inspection professionals are trained to spot problems and
evaluate a home’s overall condition. While they have a reputation for being
ethical and thorough, they are also still human. Sometimes details escape their
attention.
If you’re making a major investment in a home, there’s no reason
you have to leave 100% of the inspection up to someone else. There are
definitely areas you can review for yourself (or hire an outside party to
review).
Before you sign off on a house, don’t neglect to review these
commonly overlooked areas:
1. Roof: Yes, inspectors will consider the roof condition, but
they probably won’t be on top of the roof when they do it. This is one area
where hiring a roofing contractor to take a look can be a major benefit during
negotiations.
2. Fences: You might not think there’s much to inspect here, but
replacing a fence is expensive. What looks sturdy on a sunny day can turn into
a giant repair after the first storm of the season. This is especially true of
wooden fences.
3. Drains: Fill up tubs and sinks and see how long it takes them
to drain. If they’re slow, you’ll want to know why. It could be something as
simple as a clog, but what if it’s more?
4. Fireplaces: Home inspectors will often give these the
once-over, but they sure aren’t going to light a fire. If you can, make sure these
operate as expected. It’s also a good idea to find out when the chimney was
last cleaned and who the owner uses to maintain it.
5. Heating/Cooling: The time of year might impact how thorough an
inspector is with the heating and cooling system. After all, who’s likely to
really run the A/C in the winter or the heat in the summer? With such a big
ticket item, you want to be certain it performs as expected.
Pricing is directly tied to a home’s condition, so don’t overlook
the opportunity to protect yourself from repair bills. Problems present you
with leverage in negotiations.
Ready to hunt for a home in great shape? Let me help you with your
search. There are all kinds of properties available right now: valerie@valeriemcconville.com
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