In my experience, I always recommend that clients schedule inspections, even if they’re hesitant. I emphasize that it’s far better to uncover any issues now than to face serious problems, like discovering a rotting kitchen floor six months after closing on your dream home. Being proactive and arranging inspections allows you to assess potential repairs and gives you the opportunity to negotiate with the seller before finalizing the purchase.
Don’t underestimate the damage termites can cause. These pests can do significant harm over time, particularly when they find moisture and a way in. Even if your potential new home has a slab foundation, getting a pest inspection is a wise choice. Termites can enter through cracks in the slab, plumbing and utility entries, or by climbing. No foundation is completely immune. Pest inspections typically cost around $80, and in my opinion, they are well worth the investment. It’s essential to hire a professional pest inspector who specializes in this area so that, if an issue is found, they can provide a repair estimate
Jacqueline Newhouse
Real Estate Agent
Remember, buying your first home or selling your current home is not just a transaction. It’s a significant milestone, a step towards building your future. Let’s embark on this journey together.
Jacqueline Newhouse
Real Estate Agent/1st Class Real Estate|Triangle East
Email: j.newhouse@1stclassre.com
Cell:252-544-0703
Let’s discuss structural issues. Over time, homes tend to settle, and joists or piers may weaken, particularly if they are wooden and in contact with moisture. This repair can often be quite expensive, especially if the property needs to be lifted to fix the issue. This is where one would benefit from a structural inspection and is often time covered in your general home inspection. A licensed general contractor can assess the damage and give you a repair quote. These quotes can sometimes be quite high, so it’s wise to do your research and get three or four opinions if necessary. It’s important to note that no one can estimate the extent of structural damage without physically inspecting your crawl space.
It’s wise to make sure you get an HVAC inspection done. Why is this important? Because if these systems aren’t maintained properly, they could become faulty and costly to repair or replace. While a freon refill might cost a few hundred dollars, replacing a coil can be several thousands of dollars. In my area, a standard HVAC inspection typically costs about $125 per unit. Regular checkups for your HVAC system can help reduce your utility bills. I suggest that home buyers arrange for an HVAC inspection alongside the general home inspection. It’s advisable to hire a company that specializes solely in heating and air installations and repairs. Many general home inspectors aren’t required to have HVAC expertise or tools, so they might overlook problems that a certified HVAC technician would catch.
To ensure my client’s safety, I consistently recommend professionals who are experts in their fields. This way, if something is amiss, we have someone available who has inspected the property and can offer a quote. This allows us to negotiate repairs during the due diligence period of the real estate transaction. Local real estate agents typically have these professionals readily available and can usually arrange for services within a week. This allows you plenty of time to handle negotiations.
Home inspections should not be considered optional; they should always be planned. Yes its an investment on the front end but well worth it in the long haul. You will know exactly what you are purchasing and the condition that it is in