Lets's Check The Condition of The Home

The next step is to professionally inspect the house. Your real estate agent will probably recommend a few good inspectors for you to hire, but the final decision is yours.

The purpose of the inspection is to:

  1. Inspect the major systems in the house (heating, roof, electrical, plumbing, structural) to discover serious problems, and
  2. Educate you about maintaining a home.

The inspection will take 1 ½ to 3 ½ hours and you should try to be present. The cost of the inspection is your responsibility (typically $200 - $400).

An inspection is NOT a warranty of anything and inspectors are not usually experts in any one area. If a major system in the home looks suspicious to the inspector, he may recommend further investigation on your part (e.g., a roof, electrical or furnace certification). It will be your decision to pay or not to pay for further inspections or certifications.

After the inspection, you have the right to ask the seller to fix major problems. Sometimes (depending on your financing), you can ask for an allowance to fix something yourself. The seller can agree to your request, counter back or reject your request. As long as you are reasonable, the inspection process does not have to be a difficult negotiation. Try not to overwhelm the seller with a laundry list of minor repairs.

REMEMBER, the purpose of the inspection is to identify serious problems. Leaky faucets, cracked tile, or ugly carpet are not items that should scare you away from purchasing a home, nor are they items that you should expect the seller to fix. Your real estate agent will help you through the inspection.

If you’ve made it through the inspection, breathe a sigh of relief. The hardest part may be over!

It’s easy to make sure the home you’ve chosen is a smart buy. By having a home inspection, the home’s vital systems are checked. A home inspection allows you to purchase your home with confidence. Fox Cities Home Pro will help you set one up after you have chosen the home you like. We recommend the following minimum standards when choosing an inspector:

1. Membership in ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) and Adherence to its             Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

2. A written report at the time of inspection.

Items on your home inspection report will include:

  • Foundations, Basements, and Structures Basement floor and walls, proper drainage and ventilation, evidence of water seepage
  • Exterior Siding, Windows, and Doors, Exterior walls, porches, decks, balconies, and garage
  • Roof, Roof type and material, condition of gutters and downspouts
  • Interior Plumbing System, Hot and cold water system, the waste system and sewage disposal, water pressure and flow, and hot water equipment
  • Electrical System Type of service, number of circuits, type of protection, outlet grounding, and load balance
  • Central Heating System, Energy source, type of cooling equipment, capacity, and distribution
  • Interior Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Windows, and Doors, Walls, floors, ceilings, stairways, cabinets, and countertops
  • Attic, Structural, insulation, and ventilation information
  • Fireplace, Chimney, damper, and masonry
  • Garage Doors, walls, floor, and opener
  • Appliances Built-in and other home appliances, smoke detectors, and television/cable hookups

Lot and Landscaping, Ground slopes away from foundation, condition of walks, steps, and driveways.