Buyers' Home Inspections

A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often you will have to absorb a lot of information in a short time: a written report, checklist, photographs, environmental reports, and what the inspector himself says during the inspection. All this combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself makes the experience sometimes overwhelming.

What should you do?

Relax. Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections. These are nice to know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:

Major defects such as a structural failure.
Things that lead to major defects, such as small roof-flashing leaks.
Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home.
Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electric panel.

Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property, especially in categories 2 and 4.

Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection; but, sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report.

Our Professional Inspections address thoroughly all potential issues in checking over 80 items and 400 points.

See a Sample of our Home Inspection Report

Keep in mind that No home is perfect!

And Keep things in perspective. Don't kill your deal over things that don't matter. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure, or nitpicky items.

More: Three Deadly Mistakes Home Buyers Should Avoid

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Last modified: 03/30/2008

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