Home Inspections
Buying a home may well be the largest financial investment you will ever make. Naturally, you will want to know as much as possible about the property before you finalize the purchase at closing.
It's important to hire a knowledgeable, independent home inspector for advise on the overall condition of the property. The purchase contract requires specific time periods for each inspection. Usually, the cost for inspections and re-inspections are paid by the buyer, with the exception of the pest inspection, referred to in a contract document called the WPA (Wood Destroying Pest Addedum). Prices can range from $350 to $800 for each inspection.
Some of the most common ones are:
- Termite - (WPA) Report would show any visible infestation or visible damage caused by and wood destroying organism (termites, water damage, wood rot).
- Home Inspection - Will give you an overview of the condition of the property, from visible construction concerns to underneath the home to electrical and plumbing. This inspection will often lead the buyer to find other concerns that need to be explored by a specialist such as a structural engineer, a plumber, or an electrician.
- Pool/Spa – Would include an overview of the condition of the pool/spa plus its equipment.
- Chimney/Fireplace – Would show the overall condition as well as any deferred maintenance or necessary repairs.
- Structural - Defects caused by poor construction, soil movement, water or drainage conditions, settlement, fire, etc.
- Environmental Hazards - Including asbestos, lead-based paint, radon gas or any other toxic material.
- Roof – Would include an overall assessment of the roof’s condition plus indicate any recommended or required repairs to the roofing system.
CAR Form BIE, Buyer’s Inspection Elections, dated 11/2008, lists these 31 inspections to remind a buyer of his or her responsibility to thoroughly inspect the property before removing contingencies.
- General Home Inspection
- Wood Destroying Pests
- Chimney
- Electrical
- Heating / Air Conditioning
- Lead Paint
- Plumbing
- Square Footage
- Structural
- Easements/Encroachments
- Foundation/Slab
- Lot Size
- Boundaries
- Pool/Spa
- Roof
- Sewer
- Septic System
- Soil Stability
- Survey
- Tree/Arborist
- Well
- Water Systems and Components
- Radon Gas
- Formaldehyde
- Asbestos
- Methane Gas
- Mold
- Permits
- Public Records
- Zoning
- Government Requirements
