by cfbi1 | Sep 20, 2013 | Home Inspection
The process of buying a home is a very significant and stressful process for those involved, for both the buyer and the seller. For both parties involved the best and most effective way to de-stress the whole situation is to be fully aware of the condition, in which the home being sold/bought is.
The National Association of Home Inspectors acknowledges how important it is to have certified home inspector carry out a survey on a property. When properly performed, it will give both parties the peace of mind necessary before making such a large investment.
The benefits of hiring a home inspector are that it could save buyers thousands of dollars down the line in repair costs of a home that is not in tip-top condition when purchased. Keep in mind the reason for a home inspection: a professional home inspection provides all the information needed regarding problems that could arise after the purchase.
The hired home inspector will be checking and looking for issues within the electrical system, roofing structure, plumbing, and the foundation of the home. Some key points to keep in mind when selecting to hire a home inspector:
- Check the credentials of any potential home inspector verify the state license
- Ask for proof of insurance.
- How do you know the inspector, was he referred and who referred him? References from past clients would be a good start.
- Be present at the actual inspection and ask all the questions that you need to ask, don’t hold back.
- A thorough home inspection will last a couple of hours.
- Is the inspector affiliated with a credible, professional organization, like the American Society of Home Inspectors.
A home inspection is for benefits both the seller and the buyer. When done professionally might mean the difference of happiness and enjoying the reality of a dream home or a reality of endless home improvement repairs.
by cfbi1 | Sep 18, 2013 | Home Inspection
A professional visual home/commercial inspection includes review of the full property site. The building’s exterior is closely evaluated, the roof will undergo a thorough inspection, with chimney, attic, and crawlspaces all checked. A full inspection of the current heating and plumbing system that is in place and their functioning within the property in question.
Professional companies will specialize and understand the importance of having access to crawlspaces in order for them to correctly evaluate the condition of the foundation and look at the structural issue within the crawl space. It’s also a great opportunity to find any plumbing or electrical issues located within the crawl space.
An experienced company will disclose if there is to be any additional construction to the building under inspection and verify if it has been built under the correct construction and safety codes that apply. All built-in appliances within the home will be tested to ensure they are not malfunctioning and working correctly, as well as, energy and safety tests performed, the results and advice from those tests will be clearly explained.
If the home you are looking to buy, or perhaps sell was built prior to 1960, then our extensive report will answer the very important seven seismic disclosure questions, these are questions that the seller must provide the answers to for the potential buyer.
It’s important to know that a home inspection does not grade a home on worn down carpets or torn wall paper. Essentially, the inspector is looking for serious structural issues that if left in its current condition would be a hazard to the occupant’s life, and current on all health and safety codes in place. All areas will be checked for neglected maintenance and accurate repair cost will be reported. It is smart to have a home or commercial building properly evaluated before buying or selling.
by cfbi1 | Sep 17, 2013 | Home Inspection
It far too easy to be seduced by the look and appearance when buying your new home, it can have a great look and feel about the place, meaning you can forget about the shabby brick work or the unnatural gurgling coming from the boiler system, in the excitement of purchasing.
Recent research, which has been carried out by the RICS, has revealed some shocking truths many homebuyers don’t know about. A large number of first time homebuyers are unknowingly setting themselves up for thousands of dollars in repair bills. These bills and repairs on their new home might have been avoided, brought to light, if an experienced home inspector viewed pre-purchase.
The buyers due to a general lack of understanding regarding the actual home buying process miss these issues. Many buyers are putting themselves and family at risk because they are not or don’t understand the importance of getting independent expert advice from a qualified home inspection company.
Only a qualified and experienced surveyor can give you an accurate evaluation of the current state of the home and an accurate evaluation of how it will be 5-10 years down the line.
Make sure your new home is not a ticking time bomb
It would be fair to say that young first time buyers would be more at risk when looking to step onto the property ladder; it is a massive investment for anyone involved. It is wise to ensure that you are not putting out all your life savings on a property that could cost you even more in repairs that will leave you close to bankruptcy.
Understanding that serious defects and problems are hard to find and need an experienced trained eye to unearth them is what should push the homebuyer towards getting an evaluation of the property they are looking to purchase. You don’t want to be stuck in a home you can’t live in and a home that is unsellable.
by cfbi1 | Sep 16, 2013 | Home Inspection
In the majority of home buying cases, if there is a lender involved they will require a home inspection. This is part of the process of closing on a new home. The advantage of home inspections is if something comes up at the inspection, the seller will be required to fix it before the sale is completed. (Check the agreement for the inspection clause). As the buyer, you have the right to decide on the home inspection company.
Try to arrive early at the property to be inspected. This allows time for the inspector to get his equipment set up, take a preliminary survey of the interior, and get a picture of the front of the property. The picture will provide reference points of the roof, and exterior, which are essential in the evaluation process.
From the outside of the home, the water meter is checked to determine any leaks from the system or underground. All fences surrounding the property would also be checked, pools, spas, barbecues, ponds, irrigation systems, sheds, patios, plumbing system, outside ac system unit, to name a few.
The structure of the home is reviewed as well, the foundation, walls, windows, doors, the gas meter the main electrical panel, all are assessed.
The inspector will need access to the roof to get an accurate account of its current condition, and determine the need for repairs. Same goes for the attic and crawl spaces all will be included in the evaluation to give a detailed and accurate report of the home’s condition.
In order to give a correct evaluation, we address every component and system that found on the property (not including specialty services: Mold, Radon Testing, Termite, and Thermal Imaging). All key elements, repairs are digitally photographed to complete the report.
by cfbi1 | Sep 11, 2013 | Home Inspection
There is no need to elaborate on just how important and crucial it is to have your potential home checked over by an experienced home inspection company. When the time comes for you to go and view your selected property it is a wise idea to have a ready prepared checklist to take with you. Below is a list with a few pointers on just what you should be looking to include on your own personal checklist.
Roof Condition
Arguably, one of the most important factors that should be high on the list to check is the roof. The roof should show no signs of sagging from end-to-end, but in some cases, the roof can be a victim of neglect. Keep your eyes open for water puddles on flat roofs. The existence of water puddles could mean incorrect drainage is not allowing the puddles to run into the gutter, as they should. Where and if possible, ask for a full history of previous repairs, and if any repairs has been made to the roof.
Wiring Hazards
The condition of the electrical wiring throughout the home must be checked, be on the lookout for any frayed wiring or live exposed wiring. Note: it is best to take an experienced inspector with you, in regards to making sure your safety is not at risk. All electrical outlets must be checked and not overlooked, keep an eye out for breaker boxes, which by law needs correct labeling.
Windows/Doors correctly functioning
You should be checking that all doors and windows work properly. Check all door locks to make certain they work to lock, safely securing the home. The windows need to be free from cracks or broken glass, and check it they open and lock.
Pests
Make sure your home is free from termites, wood boring insects, and carpenter beetles. These pests do a good job of destroying the wood within a structure. Remember to ask for report history on any pest inspection that has been performed.
There are many important factors that need to be checked and that is why it’s important that before you buy any home, you hire the services of a professional home inspection company.
by cfbi1 | Sep 10, 2013 | Home Inspection
It is said to be one of the most expensive, and one of the most important purchases of your lifetime, not your purebred dog, but investing in a home. The thing is with buying a home you do not get a money-back-guarantee, or return policy, like other products.
Once you buy a home and sign the deed, you are on your own and foot the bill of any repairs to keep the property well maintained. It is essential that you know about any potential problems and repairs that need done before officially buying the house.
The best way for you to determine if the home is safe and in proper living conditions is to hire the services of a professional home inspector to survey it. An experienced home inspector will review the house and evaluate it, check all the working and functioning components, how they affect each other, and how much “life” is left in them.
The home inspection evaluation should leave you with a list of repairs that are needing done and highlights areas, which have received repairs in the past. The purpose of a home inspection is to help the buyer understand the true and current condition of the home in question.
A pre-purchase home inspection lasts around 3-4 hours, when done correctly; it might cost anything upwards of $500.00. The cost is dependent on State location, and the home’s square footage. Once the inspection is completed in its entirety, the buyer will be handed a written, detailed report of the essential problems in the home.
An experienced home inspector will not hesitate to answer the difficult questions. One thing to remember is that it’s their job to educate the seller or the homebuyer on the home being sold. A inspection offers peace of mind before the biggest purchase of your life.
