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Local Voices

Home Inspection 101

 

As a REALTOR, I have seen it all- from the dreams come true to the lurking nightmares.  Part of my responsibility is to ensure that my buyers and sellers have the facts, and the best way to educate is to inspect.  Just recently, I had a buyer view a home with slight water damage- Turns out during the inspection we uncovered several levels of un-treated termites! It is situations like this that truly display how important it is to have a home inspected.

If you are looking to purchase a home, inspections are routinely completed as part of a buying contingency- and essentially your inspector takes a look at every nook and cranny to ensure that you know 100% what you are purchasing.  In many cases, the inspections go well and the buyer has a new ‘to-do’ list of routine projects throughout the house. 

Selling your home can also lead to a call for a pre-sale inspection-  As the seller, you would be fully informed as to what issues, if any, exist within your home.  If a problem appears it can be fixed!  Likewise, if nothing appears on the report then you can continue confidently with your listing and price. 

As a trusted REALTOR, my networks of local contacts provide the best in the business for all things real estate.  A home inspection gives you as the buyer some time to spend in the home, and more importantly a full report on your future house. 

 

Here are some key items that you will find in your inspection report:

-Foundation, Basement and Structures

-Exterior siding, Windows and Doors

-Roof

-Electrical System

-Interior Plumbing Systems

-Central Heating and Cooling Systems

-Interior Walls, Ceilings, Floors and Doors

-Attic

-Fireplace

-Garage

-Appliances

-Landscaping and Lot

 

 

Wendy Kunash, CRS, EPro, RRS

Keller Williams, GCNE

Direct/iFax: 440.299.5152   |  Cell/Text: 440.497.0535

Email: WendyKunash@kw.com   |   Search for homes: www.WendyKunash.com

cfcitizen

9:46 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Excellent information. As a retired home inspector that spent over 20 years in the business, you do not want to use the "quick and cheap" inspector. Use an inspector that is a certified member of a national organization such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). These inspectors have proven knowledge and experience to do a thorough and fully documented report.

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Wendy Kunash

1:05 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013

Thank you for the comment Doug!! So important today to find experienced inspectors that have seen it all!
Price is nothing for peace of mind.

Carol Murphy

12:48 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013

If you are purchasing a new residence, ask your Realtor for a list of ASHI inspectors. They have more experience and knowledge to assist your buying decision.

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Meth Lab Homes Com

3:54 pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Buyers should be aware that meth testing is not typically done by home inspectors, yet buying a home contaminated by meth lab chemicals can create significant health and financial problems for home buyers. That being said, home buyers should ask for the house to be tested for meth, before they buy it. Once they purchase the property, they own any problems that come with it. Meth lab chemical contamination poses health problems for everyone, however young children, pregnant moms, the elderly, and individuals who have compromised immune system face an increased risk, according to researchers.

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Heidi Ferguson

4:26 pm on Sunday, April 14, 2013

Another important detail when choosing a home inspector is making sure he carries E&O (Errors & Omissions) Insurance. It's close to $4000 per year and some inspectors don't carry it. All Pillar To Post inspectors are required to carry it. It covers 3rd party people too (like realtors) and gives you peace of mind when referring us. I enjoyed reading your post!!

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