Buyer Beware: Don’t Neglect to Inspect a Home Yourself
Home inspectors are professionals trained to spot problems and
evaluate properties, but this doesn’t mean you should neglect to evaluate a
home thoroughly before you buy. Here are some commonly overlooked areas you can
check for yourself.
Home inspection professionals are trained to spot problems and
evaluate a home’s overall condition. While they have a reputation for being
ethical and thorough, they are also still human. Sometimes details escape their
attention.
If you’re making a major investment in a home, there’s no reason
you have to leave 100% of the inspection up to someone else. There are
definitely areas you can review for yourself (or hire an outside party to
review).
Before you sign off on a house, don’t neglect to review these
commonly overlooked areas:
1. Roof: Yes, inspectors will consider the roof condition, but
they probably won’t be on top of the roof when they do it. This is one area
where hiring a roofing contractor to take a look can be a major benefit during
negotiations.
2. Fences: You might not think there’s much to inspect here, but
replacing a fence is expensive. What looks sturdy on a sunny day can turn into
a giant repair after the first storm of the season. This is especially true of
wooden fences.
3. Drains: Fill up tubs and sinks and see how long it takes them
to drain. If they’re slow, you’ll want to know why. It could be something as
simple as a clog, but what if it’s more?
4. Fireplaces: Home inspectors will often give these the
once-over, but they sure aren’t going to light a fire. If you can, make sure these
operate as expected. It’s also a good idea to find out when the chimney was
last cleaned and who the owner uses to maintain it.
5. Heating/Cooling: The time of year might impact how thorough an
inspector is with the heating and cooling system. After all, who’s likely to
really run the A/C in the winter or the heat in the summer? With such a big
ticket item, you want to be certain it performs as expected.
Pricing is directly tied to a home’s condition, so don’t overlook
the opportunity to protect yourself from repair bills. Problems present you
with leverage in negotiations.
Ready to hunt for a home in great shape? Let me help you with your
search. There are all kinds of properties available right now!
This post has been authored by Eric Slifkin, REALTOR® serving South
Florida’s Treasure Coast. You can reach me at 888-288-1765, or visit my Web site.
As your resource for information on new or resale homes throughout the
Treasure Coast, please be sure to contact me about any home you may find
on the Web, yard sign or ad and I will research the property, arrange
showings and handle all the details.
