Why Is It Important To Get A Home Inspection?

You are making an investment in one of the biggest things you have ever purchased and paying a lot of money to do so.  Any good real estate agent would suggest and highly recommend a home inspection.  A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation and is conducted by a professional. It’s an opportunity to assess the property and understand any issues that may need to be questioned or repaired.

The home inspection report usually reveals issues that may need repair – some are major and some can be very minor. Which ones are deal breakers?

These flaws, could be potential red flags that may make you reconsider your purchase.

1. Roof

The roof inspection can uncover a number of issues. Determining the age of the roof is important. It can cost thousands of dollars to replace a roof, so it’s important to know if this is a cost you can negotiate with the seller or a cost that you’ll likely incur in the near future or .

2. Electrical problems

Pay attention if your inspector finds electrical problems. It is important to know that faulty wiring is a common cause for residential fires. Issues, like reverse polarity, are relatively easy to fix, but others may not be. Is the wiring up to code? Find out if the issues are so that you know how costly they are to repair or how dangerous if left as-is.

3. HVAC system

A standard part of the home inspection process will include the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. It is important to know how long the condenser should last – this can be determined, based on the serial number. Most condensers last up to 15 years – anything older than that will require replacement in the near future – costing thousands of dollars.

4. Lead paint

If you’re buying an older home – one that is older than 1978, it could contain lead paint. This is important, especially concerning for families with young children as lead paint can cause serious developmental problems if ingested. Ask your real estate agent for a pamphlet addressing Lead Based Paint, if they have not already provided one to you.

5. Asbestos

Along with lead paint, if the home was built before 1989 it may contain asbestos. This could be another deal breaker, as asbestos must be removed by a professional and can also be a costly repair.

6. Oil tanks

You may find that the older home you are buying a home is heated with oil or was in the past. You’ll want to find out if there is an old oil tank on the property. If you do find one, it may either be filled in with sand and gravel or empty. Depending on where the home is located, any oil tanks left on the property may need to be removed or decommissioned. The major red flag here is, if the tank has leaked in the past or is actively leaking, the clean up is an expensive one.  You’ll want to find out what the clean up entails.

7. Water damage

With water, comes the of possibility mold. Have your inspector determine if there is any water damage and find out what the potential causes may be. Is it possible the basement could flood and why? Are there rusty pipes that need to be replaced? Does water flow away from the house and not to it? Mold remediation can be costly or pooling water found near the foundation can cause cracks over time, which could also lead to expensive repairs.

If you’re in the process of buying a home, carefully review any issues that come up during the home inspection with your home inspector. If there are any of the red flags listed above, you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to take on the headache and expense of what might be costly repairs or negotiate with the seller.

For more information – call the Knowles Team powered by Keller Williams Greater Seattle at: (206) 653-0085

Are you interested in buying a home?  Stay on top of the market! We can send you real-time listings of area homes as they come on the market – find out how. Want to find out what your home is worth?  Request a FREE Market Analysis TODAY! Contact the Knowles Team TODAY at (206) 653-0085 to discuss what is happening in today’s Greater Seattle area Real Estate Market. The Knowles Team will be happy to give you a personalized Comparative Market Analysis for your home or assist you in purchasing a home.

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