Home Inspection Articles | House Inspection News

Most home inspection reports showed that majority of structural problems and material defects, especially in foreclosed homes, are quite routine in nature. That is why homebuyers, especially first timers, should hire a home inspector who has several number of years in the home inspection business.

He should also try to learn by asking around if the home inspector is efficient enough to spot uncommon problems in a house and would not hesitate to check on attics, basements and crawl spaces.

Some common structural problems and material defects are:

• Roofing – defects in roofs are usually caused by improper installations or aging. Some roofing problems does not entail that roofs should be replaced. However, they are likely to need repair and regular maintenance.
• Ceiling stains – stains in the ceilings may mean past or current water leaks. It is often difficult to determine if these leaks have been repaired or will reoccur in the near future.
• Violations of electrical safety codes – some of these common residential violations of electrical codes and safety problems are unsafe electrical panel screws, faulty wiring, circuit or main wire connection open and ground-fault with no ground.
• Faulty ground drainage – faulty ground drainage may cause water to enter beneath houses. This problem is sometimes difficult to detect and resolve, which in the long run, may cause structural damage.
• Rotted wood – this problem is common in areas of the house that have been wet for a long period of time. Homebuyers should be wary of areas that have fresh pain coat because they might be hiding some major problems. Some areas that are usually wet are eaves, decks, trim, bathroom floors and walls.
• Water heater violations – several code requirement violations include substandard overflow piping, faulty gas lines, inadequate strapping and unsafe flue conditions.
• Plumbing defects – these may include dripping faucets, loose toilets, leaking drains and slow drains.

A home inspection checklist is a useful tool for homebuyers to help them make a thorough evaluation of the house before finalizing the sale.

Home Inspection

You have bought a foreclosed home for investment and plan to sell it for a profit. And since it is your first venture into the real estate business, you want to speed up the sale of the property.

One thing that will ensure a speedy sale is to avail of home inspection services. You can attract more potential buyers if you can show them a home inspection report.

But before calling a home inspection company, make your own assessment of the house’s condition and if you can, do some necessary repairs.

Here is a home inspection checklist that you can do for yourself:

• Plumbing

Leaking pipes and clogged sinks are some problems that could easily turn off a potential buyer. An immediate repair is needed if you happen to see these problems. Remember, water from a leaking pipe could also damage other structures and systems of the house.

Fix those leaking pipes and remove clogs to avoid water damage. It is expected that a home inspector will turn on several faucets and flush toilets to check water pressure.

It is possible that the inspector will also perform tests on the septic system to check if there is a drainage problem.

• Substandard or insufficient electrical systems

Make sure that the circuit breaker and electrical panel configurations meet the property’s system requirements. Check for overloaded circuit. A typical home requires a 125 amplitude electric service panel.

Check if the ground fault circuit interrupters (GCFI) in kitchens and bathrooms are not defective. An inspector will most likely check if these GFCIs are functioning properly.

Other systems that you can expect to be checked if they are functioning properly are the cooling and heating system, smoke detectors and appliances. The foundation and structure are parts of the house that will surely receive a closer look from the home inspector.

If you want the house to be sold immediately and recover your investment with a sizable profit, do not hesitate to pull all the stops to get it in good condition.

Home Inspection

Smart buyers who are planning to purchase foreclosed homes know that conducting a home inspection will help them make an informed decision. The following are some factors that they should know before hiring a home inspection company.

• Make sure that you and an agent have signed a contract with stipulation that he/she represents you and not the seller. An agent who is contracted by the seller has the fiduciary obligation to earn as much profit as possible from the sale for the seller. Refuse a seller agent’s referral for an inspector because it may not bode well for you.
  Massachusetts law prohibits a seller agent to recommend a home inspection company. Find yourself a home inspector who has experience, license and professional affiliation.
• State law requires the inspection of septic systems prior to the sale of a home. This pass/fail basis inspection is intended for environmental protection and does not provide you replacement information.
• Find a home inspector who specializes in the inspection of toxic substances such as radon. A radioactive gas, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It seeps through cracks or foundations in the house from the earth. Make sure that radon testing is conducted before and after purchasing the home.
• If you are considering buying a home with its own well, your mortgage lender may ask for a flow or water quantity test. Pump tests are advised if the flow of the well has not been tested for years. Water supply performance standard provides a flow of at least 5 gallons every minute over a period of four hours for about 1,200 gallons.
• Hire an inspector that specializes in termite inspection. This is necessary if you are purchasing a townhouse, single home, multi-family home or garden-style apartment. An inspector may also check wood destroying organisms such as powder post beetles, carpenter bees and carpenter ants.

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