Home Inspections 101

Typically, the purchase and sales contract provides a set number of days for the buyer to perform inspections of the home. The purpose of the inspections are for the buyer to discover any unknown or undisclosed items about the property. While the sellers are suppose to disclose all known facts about the residential home, a seller may not always know about issues with their home. The inspection report does not indicate whether or not the house is a good value. It is simply an objective report of its condition. The majority of the time, the buyer will have the opportunity to cancel the contract if there are any concerns with the homes condition. But remember, there are set time periods on the contract. It is vital that the buyer perform any inspections and notify the seller within the set time period of their concerns and intention to either ask for repairs or cancel the contract. There are various types of inspections that a buyer can perform on a property. The inspections are paid by the buyer. The prices for these inspections vary depending on the type of inspection. Learn inspections 101, so you know which ones you need.

GENERAL HOME INSPECTION

General Home Inspection gives a general overview of the home. It encompasses roof, plumbing, electrical, heating, appliances, water heater, furnace, as well as other interior and exterior features of the home. A detailed report will be written with recommendations, often times the inspector will refer the buyer to another more detailed type of inspector. These are typically $400-$500.

PEST CONTROL OR WDO INSPECTION REPORT

Pest Control or WDO Inspection Report is an inspection performed by a licensed inspector will explain the property for any active infestation by wood destroying organisms. The WDO report should pinpoint termites, wood rot and fungi. Wood rot makes a home more susceptible to termite and other types of damage. By pinpointing these items, the buyer will have an opportunity to take care of damage to prevent more damage to the home. The estimated cost is usually around $100.

GEOLOGICAL INSPECTION

Geological Inspection involves a soils engineer performing an inspection of the soil and conditions involving the stability of the ground beneath the home. The inspector can pinpoint issues like sink holes.

LEAD BASED PAINT INSPECTIONS

There are various types of Lead Based Paint Inspections. One type of test involves a simple over the counter test kit and a mail away kit. Another type of test for lead involves a machine that measures the amount of lead in parts per million throughout all the areas on the home. The small scratch at home test kit can be under $30 while the machine type test can be between $750 and $1,000. The test can be a very valuable home for older homes built prior to 1978. The older the home, the more likely the home is to have lead based paint. Lead based paint has a tendency to chip particularly around baseboards, windows and doorways. Children exposed to lead based paint can experience severe symptoms. You will be required to receive a lead based pamphlet when purchasing a home older than 1978. The Pamphlet explains all the risks to both children and adults, your rights to tests, as well as test options.

SEPTIC INSPECTIONS

Septic Inspections are an easy one to overlook. If the property has a septic system, a septic system is necessary. A new system could cost thousands of dollars. A simple inspection can pinpoint any issues. Also, the inspectors will typically pump out the system as part of the inspection which will give you a clean start in your new home. The septic inspection should include an explanation if there is adequate absorption field capacity for the percolation rate in your area based on the size of your family.

SWIMMING POOL INSPECTIONS

Swimming Pool inspections often should be performed by a leak company or other specialty pool company. Some swimming pools may have hidden concerns such as cracks or small leaks. Leaks can be in the pool shell, plumbing, or any of the pool equipment. Costs to repair pool leaks can be cheap or very costly depending on the type of damage. Pool leaks in the shell can often be sealed, but may be a lifelong issue or repairs. These types of leaks can be due to tree roots and settling. As the pool settles more or tree roots grow, the crack may continue to grow.

CASE SPECIFIC INSPECTIONS

Case Specific Inspections based on concerns with a property. Should you be concerned with any issue with the home, you have the right to additional inspections as long as they are performed within the inspection period. These include roof inspections, air conditioning inspections, plumbing inspections, electrical inspections. It is often a great recommendation for any questionable items. Roofs and Air Conditioning units can be costly. These specific inspections can give you an accurate cost to repairs or replacement of these items.

AIR CONDITIONING INSPECTIONS

Air conditioning system inspections should include an explanation of the age of the unit, energy rating as well as possible servicing of the unit. The inspector should check the unit’s coils to insure they are clean. When the units coils are dirty, the unit works harder to get new air which reduces the life of the unit and costs more for the unit to work. Also, you will want the inspector to tell you if the unit has a heat pump, gas furnace, or other type of heating for the unit. Some are more costly to operate than others.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

It is a great idea to be present the day of the inspections. When you attend the inspections, you can ask the inspector about all of the concerns as well as get an idea of repairs needed and costs associated with any issues. The inspector will also show you how to maintain items of the home and make simple repairs to extend the life of various parts of your home. A home inspector only gives you a professional opinion of the home’s condition. He or she should not give you his or her personal opinion on whether you should buy the home. Get the top questions to ask inspectors.

START SEARCHING FOR HOMES

Have you started looking for homes? Learn about some of the communities that we cover or look at properties in some of the areas we cover. Some of the areas that we cover include: Dr Phillips, Windermere, Metrowest, Winter Garden, Gotha, Oakland, Ocoee, Hunters Creek, Orlando including International Drive area, Lake Nona, and Winter Park. Don’t see your area, let us know.