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 un-satisfactory to you. In addition, a Request for Repairs may be presented to the Seller if the Buyer feels certain items need to be repaired or if there has been a change in the properties overall value due to an unforeseen condition brought up from inspections.

 

 

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 provide 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 further investigation from specific trades people. This may include estimates to inform you of the cost you may incur while taking on such repairs if any are needed/recommended.

Who Pays What?

Typically, the Buyer pays for this inspection.

 

 

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 present, including fungi (sometimes called “dry rot”), which generally results from excessive moisture.

Section I Conditions:

Most Pest Reports classify conditions as Section I or Section II items. Section I conditions are those which are “active”, or currently causing damage to the property. If a termite inspection is part of the purchase contract, Section I items may 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 II item is a plumbing leak where 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.

 

 

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. This item can be negotiated in the purchase contract, regardless of who pays, it is always recommended to obtain a home protection plan.

 

 

This information is provided solely as a courtesy. It is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.