Why do you need a home inspection when purchasing a home for sale? You are about to make one of the largest single investments of your life when you buy a home. You would not buy a used car without having an expert mechanic check it out, nor should you buy a home without getting the expert opinion of someone who can spot trouble that is hidden, or predict future problems based on poor condition of mechanical, plumbing, or structural issues that have not yet failed, but soon may.
Whether handwritten or computer generated, these reports will be divided into the different systems of the home, and contain specific comments about the condition of each one. The home inspector will visually check each system, and make recommendations about repairing, replacing, or calling in an expert to look at health and safety issues he may uncover.
Some of the issues a home inspector might find are:
- Mold or mildew
- Old roof nearing the end of its life span
- Furnace or Air Conditioning Problems
- Outdated electrical panels or wiring which may pose a shock or fire hazard
- Plumbing issues such as leaking or blocked pipes
- Foundation walls that are cracked
- Structural supports that have failed
- Mortar which has been dislodged between bricks and needs to be repointed
- Appliances that are no longer functioning
- Dry or wet rot of wood
- Visual evidence of insect infestation
Some of the issues the home inspector might uncover may be extensive, or very simple and inexpensive to fix. In a well-maintained home there may be little or nothing of significance found in the home inspection, but it is much better to know if there might be any problems before they occur.
You need a home inspection to prevent any expensive surprises with the systems of the home you wish to buy, and make owning a new home a pleasurable and rewarding experience.
When working as your buyer agent, I will always advise that it is in the best interest of my clients to get a home inspection.
Shannon Holmes, REALTOR® (205) 706-3975
109 Inverness Plaza
Birmingham, Alabama 35242
Shannon Holmes recommends that you always get a home inspection when buying a home. With top quality real estate service and advice as her goal, Shannon wants to be sure you know why you need a home inspection .
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