Congratulations, your offer was accepted on your dream home, so what’s next? Now it’s time to schedule your home inspection and prepare to learn more about your recent purchase. Your real estate agent should recommend three (3) inspection companies that are properly licensed and certified with the State of Ohio. As a Realtor®, I always confirm the inspector is a member of the InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors). This certification verifies the inspector has had proper training and meets the state requirements to conduct a proper and thorough inspection.
The inspection will pay for itself and provide you peace of mind. Afterall, you want to make sure your home is safe for your family. Issues an inspector may find can include water damage, mold growth, and radon that can lead to serious health problems. Other matters like loose stair rails, uneven flooring, or a sagging ceiling could lead to accidental harm. A home inspector reports any issues found during the inspection so you can address them with the seller.
Here are a few items that the inspector will investigate during a general home inspection:
Roof age (approximate); Wind or Hail Damage
Attic Ventilation and Insulation
Doors and Windows (make sure they are functional)
Gutters and Downspouts
Appliances: Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Range, Oven, and Garbage Disposal
Chimney, Flashing and Skylights
Electrical including Amps and Breakers
Test Light Fixtures and Outlets
Stairs, Steps and Railings
Walkways, Driveways, Porches, Patios, and Decks
Basement and Crawl Space
Heating and Cooling Units
Plumbing, including Toilets and Showers for proper drainage
Main Water Shut-off For a complete inspection checklist, please email stacypandy@howardhanna.com I recently met with one of our local inspectors, Sam D’Ambrosio, from “All Inspections” as to why it is essential that you receive a home inspection. Sam said, “the benefits of a home inspection include finding something that the naked eye can’t see”. He added that he “inspects the roof structure, interior, exterior and all your mechanicals”. There are a lot of things you cannot see by simply touring the home. After your inspection is completed, you will receive a detailed report and photographs of the areas that are of concern. Most inspection reports will add a “color coded legend” indicating the severity of the issue. For example, red text will indicate a health and safety issue or something that you should address or fix as soon as possible; while blue text would indicate an issue to possibly "keep an eye on". Remember prior to submitting an offer, you can ask for the following inspections:
General Home Inspection
Septic System Inspection
Well Water Flow Rate
Well Water Bacteria Test & other Well Water Tests
Termite/Pest inspections
Mold Inspection
Radon
Lead Paint Inspection or Risk Assessment Remember, an inspection is the chance to find out about significant red flags with the property (e.g., issues with the roof, foundation, sewer issues, HVAC systems, or other costly problems). Those faults are what you want to focus on when negotiating with the sellers, not nickel-and-diming them for every little thing the inspector reports. Prior to your offer, you should discuss potential items that you will want inspected with your real estate agent. For example, some inspection companies can reach 2-story homes with “drones” to view roof issues; and other inspection companies offer sewer scope inspections. A sewer scope inspection is an additional service to inspect and evaluate the condition of the lateral sewer line that runs from the home to the city sewer or septic tank.
Sewer scopes are recommended for all homes, but especially for homes that are older than 20 years as they tend to have clay, cast iron, and concrete lines which can succumb to an array of issues. The most common issues found are pipe separations, offsets, collapses, blockages, tree roots, and grease.
Buying a home is an exciting time, but don’t let the excitement steer you off course. Getting to know your home prior to the purchase is one of the best decisions you can make. For more information or to view my real estate videos, please join my email at www.stacypandy.com Thanks for reading.
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