We believe that the single most important step a home
buyer can take as a part of the home purchase process
is the home inspection. No one can guarantee the
condition of a resale home. We, as your agent, will
do our very best, based on our experience with hundreds
of home sold, to make you aware of potential problems
with appliances, heating/cooling, interiors, exteriors
and things we can see. However, a trained home
inspector will not only test the mechanicals and
appliances in a house, they will also inspect the
structure, materials and condition of the components
of a property. Cosmetics are not a part of a home
inspection.
A good home inspector will examine the house from
top to bottom. Most inspections in Maryland and
Virginia will evaluate the physical condition: structure,
construction, and mechanical systems. They will
identify items that need to be repaired or replaced.
They will also give you an estimate of useful life of
the roof, appliances, mechanicals and any other
equipment included with the home purchase.
You have negotiated all price, terms and conditions of
the home purchase and now you want the home
inspected. Good. Let's walk through a home inspection.
STRUCTURE
The home inspector will look for structural integrity,
They will evaluate the quality of construction and
materials used.
EXTERIOR
A thorough inspection of the roof should reveal any
past or present leaks. The exterior finishing will be
inspected for cracked bricks, loose siding, improper
grading and anything else suitable for your purchase.
INTERIOR
The interior will be observed for signs of movement.
A good home inspector will look for signs of unusual
cracking, separating, shifting in the house.
MECHANICALS
The heating and air conditioning will be tested,
temperature permitting, and since this is an expensive
appliance, the inspector may recommend servicing
of the unit if it appears that the present owners have
neglected this important duty.
APPLIANCES
All kitchen appliances will be run through their cycle
to make sure that they function properly. The
refrigerator will be tested for temperature and seals.
The range, microwave, disposer will all be run
to make sure they know what to do.
PLUMBING
All bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, exterior plumbing
will be tested and inspected. This task has become
very important since builders have been downgrading
building materials for several years to compensate
for escalating land costs.
ELECTRICAL
All visible wiring, panel boxes, fixtures, switches,
outlets will be tested for operating condition and
safety. Often we find home owner repairs will
be the most hazardous. If the homeowner did
not obtain a permit and have work inspected,
it may be defective and dangerous. A good home
inspector spends a lot of time looking at electrical
components of a house.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE HOME INSPECTION??
If the home inspector finds serious problems such as
structural defects, you will have to make a decision
as to whether or not to go through with the purchase.
If the home inspection shows defects that are
repairable or replaceable, your agent will write an
addendum requesting the repairs to be made by
the seller prior to settlement. The seller may agree,
refuse or negotiate a cash settlement to compensate
you for the defects found.
You and your agent will decide on the best way to
handle any defects found. The important thing is that
you are an EMPOWERED HOME BUYER when you
know the good AND the not so good about a home.
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