PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION

WHY PRE-PURCHASE HOME INSPECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT

You have already figured out where the piano will be placed, as well as pictured the entire family having Thanksgiving dinner in your new kitchen. Before you proceed to make what will probably the largest financial commitment of your life, you need to make sure that everything you haven’t seen is safe and in good working order. You’ll want to make sure the furnace and air conditioner have been properly maintained and not on their last breath, and that foundation isn’t settling or cracking. You will also want to examine the roof to make sure it’s not past its service life as well as any electrical issues that may pose a safety risk to you and your family. If you arrange for a home inspection by JHD Home Inspection during the contract negotiation period, any issues found are the problem of the owner. If you decide to forgo a home inspection, any hidden problems that come to light will be your responsibility. Remember, once you buy it, you own it!

WHAT’S COVERED IN A PRE-PURCHASE HOME INSPECTION

The home inspector will examine the condition of the property and provide a comprehensive evaluation of its systems and components. Inspected areas and items include, but are not limited to the following:

• Foundation [Basement or Crawlspace]
• Roofing [Shingles, Gutters, Downspouts, Vents, Flashing ,Trim and Roof Penetrations]
• Exterior[Grading, Drainage, Sidewalks, Garage, Walls, Siding, Decks, Porches, Fencing, and Trees]
• Attic [Access, Lighting, Insulation and Ventilation]
• Electrical Systems [Service Entrance, Main Panel, Disconnects, GFCI’s and AFCI’s, Receptacle Polarity, Grounding and Bonding]
• Plumbing Systems [Shut off Valves, Water lines, Drain lines, Water Pressure, Catch Basins, Fixtures and Water heater]
• Interior [Walls, Ceilings, Floors, Doors, Windows, Bed Rooms, Bath Rooms, Fire Place Cabinets and Kitchen Appliances]
• Heating and Cooling [Furnace, Air Conditioning Systems and Controls]
• Fireplaces and Chimney [Flue, Hearth, Firebox and Damper]

In addition, the home inspection will also look any safety issue or any deficiency that may affect the value of the property, such as evidence of fire, mold and water damage

WHEN TO HAVE A PROPERTY INSPECTED

A Buyer should get a professional home inspection after they have an initial agreed upon sales price with the seller and are in contract to buy the property. The contractual agreement is commonly made contingent on the buyers’ satisfaction and approval of the results of the home inspection.