We strongly advised that you get a home inspection when you purchase a new home.
Home Inspections
There are two main reasons to get a home inspected. The most common is when you’re purchasing a home, and you want to learn if there are any serious problems with the home before you close the purchase. The other is that you’re selling a home. And you would rather find out if there are any hidden problems that need fixing before you put your home on the market. By doing this, you can get in front of any issues that may arise during the sale process
But, either way, there are a few things about the inspection process which you need to be aware of.
How to Choose your Home Inspector
There are many home inspectors in the business, and the choice is yours. Both your Realtor and your attorney can probably can recommend someone. If you prefer, a friend or relative may know someone However, you should be aware that a home inspector must be licensed by the state in New Jersey,. In addition, they must take continuing education courses. This means that your cousin, who used to be a contractor, shouldn’t perform your home inspection. By hiring a professional, you’ll get a thorough inspection.
What does a home inspector look for ?
Most importantly, you should attend the inspection if at all possible. Follow the inspector, listen and ask questions. By doing this, you’ll learn what’s important and what isn’t. It’s extremely rare when the inspector doesn’t find any issues. There are some issues which require repairs. And other issues are potential safety or health risks. But please realize that an inspection is not for finding cosmetic repairs. The inspection is to find items that affect the integrity of the home. Also remember that an inspector can only inspect what is visible. If there’s an issue inside a closed in wall, the inspector can’t see it.
The Home Inspection Reports
When a home inspection is done properly, it covers many items. The exterior inspection should include the home’s siding, steps, porches, decks, chimneys exterior lighting and the roof. The windows and doors get checked to make sure they open, stay open and close. In addition, they get checked to see if the glass seals are intact. Inside the home, the inspection goes from the top down. The attic is inspected, along with, the electrical system, central heating and air conditioning, basement/crawlspaces, and garages.
Plumbing items such as faucets are checked to see if they leak. The garage doors to see if they open and close properly and have the proper safety components. When the inspection is completed, a written report will be provided that should be concise and easy to understand.
You’ll need a wood destroying insect report. Some home inspectors provide that, but If not, you’ll need a separate inspection for that.
The Inspector works for Whoever Pays for it.
You’re paying for the inspection, therefore it’s your choice whether or not to share the report with others. If you’re a buyer, you’ll need to share it with your attorney, and possibly your Realtor. However, you aren’t required to give a copy to the seller, their Realtor or their attorney.
On the other hand, if you’re a seller, you don’t need to give a copy to buyers. However, if there’s any adverse any information regarding the integrity of the home or major systems failure, this must be reported in the Seller’s Disclosure.
Don’t Get Mad at the Inspector
As I said previously, inspectors can only inspect what they can see. Since an inspector cannot see inside a wall or under a floor, ti’s rare but sometimes items are missed.
When you’re the buyer, the information from the home inspection let’s you know if the home has issues that you weren’t aware of when you made the offer. And if there are serious issues, you can use the inspection report to negotiate a better price, or to ask the seller to make repairs. If the seller agrees to do repairs, ask for a copy of the invoice as proof.
Buyer Beware
It may be tempting to skip the inspection in order to save a few dollars. But, without a professional inspection, you may not know if there are serious issues. The cost of an inspection is a reasonable investment which can save you money and peace of mind.
When you’re ready to either buy or sell a home, Contact us
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