Purchasers Education - Home Inspections

Types of and Reasons for Inspections

A house inspection can provide you with information about needed repairs or serious flaws, as well as peace of mind, even on brand new homes! Be sure to find out which inspections are required or recommended in the area.

You can have many different systems and structural aspects examined:

• Building Inspection
• Septic inspection
• Well inspection
• Termite inspection
• Engineer's structural report
• Soil analysis
• Roof inspection
• Radon gas test
• Asbestos inspection
• Pool/spa inspection
• Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) test

My advice to you is never buy a home without making that home subject to a professional home inspection.  The inspection can be  arranged when you make an offer on the house with a written stipulation that the offer is pending a satisfactory report. Generally, the building inspector will examine:

• Plumbing system
• Heating system
• Air conditioning system
• Electrical system
• Appliances
• Construction
• Insulation

Try to attend the inspections. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from an expert about construction, maintenance, and repairs that may be needed in the future.

Note: In many areas you can purchase (or negotiate for the seller to pay) a one-year home warranty to insure against major repair expenses on systems deemed to be satisfactory during inspection.