Real Estate Matters

  By Terry Farrell

Why YOU Should Hire Sherlock "Homes"!

A home inspection is a professional, objective, visual examination of a
home's condition. Homebuyers making the purchase of resale homes, as well
as the purchase of new homes, should avail themselves of a home inspection
company. Inspectors help determine whether there are any major defects or
system inadequacies.

Virtually all homes have flaws, regardless of price.
Home inspections are not intended to point out every small
problem or defect in a home. Most minor or cosmetic flaws, for example,
should be apparent without the aid of a professional inspector.
     An inspection report should not be construed as a fix-it list. It's
sole intent is to be a "current status" report, i.e. an in-depth disclosure
of an existing home. Home inspections also highlight the positive aspects
of a home. Home inspector's observations and recommendations often help dispel homebuyers' anxieties, and provide useful repair and maintenance suggestions.
     

A home inspector will not "pass" or "fail" a house, but will indicate
which items will be in need of immediate or future repair or replacement.

Why should I have my NEW home inspected?

Most builders make every effort to build a quality product that complies
with current building standards. However, this is a time, in many
rapid growth areas like ours, when competition between builders is intense
and pressure to complete the home is great.

Builders often rely on the subcontractors to complete their work as
advertised and on time. There many building phases and it is difficult for builders to monitor and inspect the progress and quality of each phase of construction. You can expect any new home to have defects and most builders are prompt to correct them, but what if you don't notice them or notice them after the builder is gone?

Your new home contract should include a contingency clause for a professional inspection. A written report with required corrections authored by a professional
inspector gives you greater leverage to have the unsatisfactory conditions remedied.

You may also wish to consider having two inspections; one, after the house is framed, but before it is "closed up". This will enable the inspector to view the
plumbing, electrical system, framing, etc. The second inspection would occur after the home is completed. The second inspection involves additional up front cost, but may
be a wise investment in the long run.