Buying a home? The process can be
stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of
mind, but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to
absorb a lot of information in a short time. This often includes
a written report, checklist, photographs, environmental reports,
and what the inspector himself says during the inspection. All
this combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice
yourself makes the experience even more overwhelming. What
should you do? Relax. Most of your inspection will be maintenance
recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections.
These are nice to know about. However, the issues that really
matter will fall into four categories:
- Major defects. An example of this would be a structural
failure. Things that lead to major defects. A small
roof-flashing leak, for example. Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally
occupy, or insure the home.
- Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the
electric panel.
- Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally
occupy, or insure the home.
- Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the
electric panel.
Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often a
serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both
life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).
Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of
defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are
under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the
report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Don't
kill your deal over things that don't matter. It is
inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred
maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's
disclosure, or nit-picky items. |
321.217.6383
