Michele Baird, Joseph Oregon Real Estate

..answers by Michele Baird

Professional Home Inspections: Benefits and process

Why have an inspection? Unless a person is very educated and experienced with construction and remodeling I highly recommend a professional home inspection. This gives you more complete information on the home to base your decisions on. It may also affect the amount you will be willing to pay for the home or if you want to own it all. It will provide the buyer with detailed information about the home’s physical condition, its systems and fixtures and usually note any potential future problems.

"Unless a person is very educated and experienced with construction and remodeling I highly recommend a professional home inspection. "

What must the seller fix? Generally a seller would be requested by the buyer to repair a “lender required repair” such as dry rot, exposed wood on the exterior or a furnace that isn’t functioning well. Even if a loan isn’t involved these types of items are usually the responsibility of the seller to some degree by pricing the home lower or by making repairs. Many times if there is a major repair like replacing the furnace, the buyer and seller negotiate how much of the cost the seller should absorb. The buyer will benefit the most as the furnace will have a long life and increase the value of the home so the seller should not need to pay for the entire new furnace when the price that was negotiated for the home was with the older furnace. Every transaction is different and there is no right answer. Bottom line is a seller is not required to fix anything.

How thorough is the inspection? The inspector is trained to review many components and small details of the home. The larger systems such as heat, plumbing, electrical and appliances - down to individual electrical outlets and light fixtures. They will look at the structural components such as the roof, siding and foundation as well. If the inspector sees a potential issue with an element he may advise for a specialty inspection. For example the inspector may suggest you hire a roofing specialist to evaluate the remaining life of the roof, or a plumber for the plumbing. The inspector does not look at systems outside the home such as a well or a septic system, nor do they look at chimneys and woodstoves as they need to be cleaned and inspected by a chimney specialist. The inspector can tell you how much insulation there is where it is visible but cannot tell you how much is in the walls or in areas he cannot access.

How long does it take? An average inspection takes about 3 hours and the buyer is encouraged to be present. You will be given a detailed written report and suggestions for maintenance for over the next few years. If a buyer cannot attend the inspection they will have the written report sent to them and are encouraged to call the inspector by phone if they have questions. An inspection can give you peace of mind in the purchase and can save you a bundle if an unknown problem is discovered.

What doesn’t an Inspector evaluate? An inspector is not required to report on things such as (not a complete list): a) the life expectancy of any component or system b) the methods, materials, and costs of corrections c) compliance or non-compliance with codes, ordinances, statutes d) detached structures e) calculate the strength, adequacy or efficiency of any system or component f) operate any system or component that does not have power or is shut off.

What questions should I ask the inspector? Are you licensed, bonded and insured? Do you have Errors and Omissions insurance? May I attend the inspection? When will I receive the written report? Does the inspection include a pest and dry rot report? What is the cost for this home? If you have specific areas of concern for this home you should let the inspector know.

An inspector is knowledgeable to look for any materials that may have been used in construction that are subject to recall, class action law suit, settlement or litigation. This can be anything from exterior siding to electric in-wall heating units. In older homes they will look for things like asbestos that you will want to be made aware of.

Obtaining a professional home inspection could be the single most important thing a buyer can do for their protection. It is not advisable to use a previous inspection report. A buyer has no recourse against an inspector they have not retained. Your Realtor can provide you with a list of qualified inspectors.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call-

Michele Baird

This information is from sources deemed reliable, but it is not guaranteed by the agent or the broker.
These properties are subject to prior sales, price change, correction, or withdrawal.
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