Getting a home inspection before buying is the only way to reduce unnecessary surprises and unexpected difficulties. A home inspection enables you to identify the need for maintenance, repairs, and possible preventative issues in order to avoid future problems. Here are a few crucial things about home inspections you must know. The Standard Inspection A standard home inspection report generally covers the state of the home's heating and central air conditioning system; interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; ceilings, walls, floors, doors and windows; the basement, foundation, and structural components. Regulations differ from state to state, so be sure to know the requirements in your state. For more information on standard inspections, visit American Society of Home Inspectors. Fees for inspection vary depending on the age and size of your home, its location, and the addition of optional services like well, septic, and radon testing. Expect to spend at least a several hundred dollars for an adequate inspection. Other supplementary inspections include, lead (required for homes built before 1978), soil (condition of soil around foundation and retaining walls), and environmental hazards (asbestos, formaldehyde, and petroleum). Please note: A home inspection is not a pass/fail examination, appraisal, or municipal inspection to verify code compliance. Your home cannot "fail" an inspection, but rather it will describe the physical condition and indicate what needs to be repaired. In general, a home inspection is done shortly after the purchase agreement is signed. However, before you sign the agreement you should be certain there is an inspection clause in the contract. This can be done on a contingency with the final purchase based on a professional home inspection and should specify the terms to which the buyer and seller are obligated. Frequent Home Flaws Some of the most common defects and repair issues that home inspectors see are: Poor drainage due to poor gutters and downspouts; faulty wiring due to an out-of-date electrical system; leaky roofs; unsafe heating systems; minor structural damage; plumbing issues; inadequate ventilation; and environmental hazards. What to Do in Case of Defect Some defects are serious, while others can be slight and an inspector can help you decide whether or not you need to act on the defects. Disclosure laws vary from state to state and can range from voluntary seller disclosure to mandatory seller disclosure questionnaires. At least thirty states require the seller provide information to the buyer about the condition of the home. To determine disclosure laws in your state, click here for more information.
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