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Property Inspections
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Make
Certain Inspections Are Performed!
When you make an offer on a home, your
Purchase Contract will likely contain provisions allowing you
various inspections of the property. The purpose of these
inspections is to educate you as to the physical condition of the
property you are purchasing. While these inspections do not provide
guarantees of the condition of
 the property, they do provide
valuable information to you as a Buyer. It is important to remember
that your Purchase Contract may provide for withdrawal from the
contract if these reports are unsatisfactory to you, but inspections
should not be considered an open door to renegotiate the purchase
price.
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Structural Pest Control Inspection
Often referred
to as a "Termite Report," the Structural Pest Control Inspection is
conducted by a licensed inspector. In addition to actual termite
damage, the Pest Report will indicate any type of wood destroying
organisms that may be present, including Fungi (sometimes called
"dry rot"), which generally results from excessive moisture.
Section I
Conditions
Most Pest Reports classify conditions as Section 1 or Section 2
items. Section 1 conditions are those which are "active," or
currently causing damage to the property. Generally, Section 1 items
need to be corrected before a lender will make a loan on a home.
Section II
Conditions
Those which are not currently causing damage, but are likely to, if
left unattended. A typical Section 2 item is a plumbing leak where
the moisture has not yet caused fungus decay.
Who Pays?
Your Purchase Contract will specify who is responsible for the cost
of the inspection and making these corrections. This is a
negotiable item and should be considered carefully. We will advise
you as to what is customary and prudent.
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Physical Inspection
The Physical
Inspection clause in your Purchase Contract, when initialed by both
parties, allows you the right to have the property thoroughly
inspected. This is usually done through a General Home Inspection.
While Home Inspectors are not currently required to have a license,
most are, or have been, General Contractors. The inspection and the
resulting report provides an overall assessment of the present
condition of the property.
 What is
Inspected
The
Home Inspection covers items such as exterior siding, paint,
flooring, appliances, water heater, furnace, electrical service,
plumbing, and other visible features of the property. This is a
general inspection and will often call for additional inspections by
specific trades, such as roof and furnace inspections.
Further
Inspections
If
conditions warrant, the Home Inspector may recommend a Structural
Engineer's Report. Such a report would identify structural
failures and detail recommended corrections.
Who Pays?
Typically, this inspection is paid for by the Buyer.
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Geological Inspection
You may also elect to have a
Geological Inspection to educate yourselves as to the soil
conditions at the home you are purchasing. This inspection is
performed by a Geotechnical Engineer and involves not only
physically inspecting the property, but also researching past
geological activity in the area. The primary purpose of a
Geological Inspection is to determine the stability of the ground
under and around the home.
Who Pays?
Typically the Buyer pays, but as with other inspections, this is
negotiable according to the contract.
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Home
Warranty
Home Protection Plans are available
for purchase by a Buyer or Seller. Such plans may provide
additional protection of certain systems and appliances in your new
home. We will provide you with brochures detailing different
companies and options.
Who Pays?
Often times the Seller will pay for
this item. However, as anything, it is negotiatable.
Contact an Access Real Estate Professional Today for
a Consultation to Develop Your Home Buying Plan!
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