Home Inspection Helps You Find Your Dream Home in Foreclosures

In an ironic way, the glut of foreclosed homes has presented opportunities for many Americans to buy homes at affordable prices and in many instances, at prices so low even those who have saved just enough can buy a home.

But prospective home buyers must conduct a home inspection before they buy foreclosed homes to ensure that the home buying opportunities do not turn into nightmares of repairs.

These foreclosed homes, although attractive opportunities, can also become deep pits that consume all your money for repairs.

If you buy from banks, remember that they just want to have their money back. They do not care if later on, you find that there are major parts to be repaired. Unlike many owners of FSBO homes whom you can negotiate with personally for repairs before the actual purchase, real-estate-owned homes from banks are typically sold in the condition they were repossessed.

This is why you need to hire a licensed and experienced home inspector to conduct a home inspection, so you can compute whether the house is a good buy.

With a home inspection report, you can ask home repair contractors for cost estimates and see if the sum of the home price and repair costs is still equal or less than the prevailing home price for similar foreclosed houses in the area.

Kylene Golubski, an executive at home inspection firm Inspect-It 1st, said that after banks repossess foreclosed homes, they send their personnel to disconnect utilities and lock the houses without repairing the properties. They sell their foreclosure properties as REO properties in current conditions. Oftentimes, the banks also do not reduce their asking prices even if they know the foreclosed properties are defective.

Golubski said a professional home inspection conducted by a licensed and experienced house inspector can be obtained for a few hundred dollars and the result will save the prospective home buyer thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.

Golubski advises potential home buyers not to buy foreclosed homes that have a lot of defects, especially major defects, and especially if the asking price is above average in the area.

She added that you can only determine the true extent of defects in a foreclosed home if you hire someone trained and experienced in thorough home inspection.

Home Inspection Provision in Mortgage Bill, Lauded by ASHI

Both home buyers and home inspectors would benefit from the home inspection provision of the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, which is expected to get priority treatment from the House this year.

The home inspection has been lauded by the American Society of Home Inspectors, praising the House Financial Services Committee and Representative Nydia Velazquez for enhancing consumer protection.

The home inspection provision aims to educate first-time home buyers and other home buyers not familiar with the complexities of home buying.

According to a study conducted by the General Accounting Office, there are many home buyers who are not familiar with home inspection and whose views about home inspection are not congruent with reality. A lot of home buyers do not know that house inspections are not done automatically; that valuations are not house inspections; that the HUD recommends voluntary home inspections; that the FHA does not do home inspection; and that they should initiate a home inspection.

ASHI President Bill Richardson said the bill would help home buyers make smart decisions when purchasing a house. He said the effort to educate prospective home buyers before they make wrong decisions is a victory for home buyers across the country.

Under the bill, which was championed by Velazquez with help from Representative Judy Biggert, HUD is required to accomplish a set of activities, such as publishing a home inspection advisory; creating a home inspection booklet for homebuyers; and publishing a FAQ on home inspection.

The HUD is also required to publish the advisories in both Spanish and English, distribute the materials widely, ensure that low-income and first-time home buyers are reached, and include information on both FHA home sales and non-FHA sales.

To ensure that home inspection counseling is provided to everyone that needs help, FHA lenders and HUD counselors were given certain responsibilities to accomplish. Lenders approved by the FHA will be instructed to give home inspection information at first contact to help prospective home buyers think about home inspection early in the house buying process.

HUD-certified counselors will receive training in providing advice on home inspection and on choosing home inspectors. They will also be instructed to provide home inspection brochures to prospective home buyers.

Good Home Inspectors Do Not Come Cheap

Like many things in life, good home inspectors do not come cheap. They have invested in training, in continuing education and in keeping updated with new developments in home construction and in home inspection, so they set their price a little higher than those who did not spend anything to improve their craft.

As a smart home buyer, you know that the money you pay to hire experienced and qualified house inspectors would return to you in the form of satisfaction, peace of mind and avoidance of costly repairs in the future.

You do not have to choose the priciest among the best home inspectors. You can find a home inspection professional who does not charge the highest fee, but who has proofs that he is the best to undertake the home inspection for you.

If you have no idea about home inspection fees or where to find home inspectors, visit home inspection web sites, including the web sites of national home inspection associations like the American Society of Home Inspectors. ASHI is considered the largest professional home inspection in the U.S. and the group with the strictest membership requirements. They require members to pass sets of home inspection examinations and to complete 250 paid inspections.

The other home inspection associations that you can contact are the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and the National Association of Home Inspectors.

While searching for home inspectors, look also at home inspection checklists so you get an idea of what parts of the house are being inspected by general home inspectors and what parts are left to special home inspectors.

The next step is to check if the home inspectors you are planning to hire are licensed in your state. If your state does not have a licensing policy for home inspectors, then make sure they are members of one of the national or house inspection associations.

When meeting home inspectors, ask them to show samples of the home inspection reports they have completed. From their comments on the reports, you can gauge if they are thorough in inspection or if they are just going through the process without concern for the prospective home buyer.

The home inspection report should have a summary which will help you decide whether to pursue the purchase of the home or walk away from it.

House Inspectors Leave Out Asbestos Disclosure

If you are buying an older home, you should be aware that home inspectors do not include asbestos inspection in the standard home inspection process.

For years, the home inspection industry has discussed the advantages and disadvantages of disclosing the presence of asbestos in a house being inspected. But the industry finally decided to exclude asbestos disclosure. Home inspectors figured that if they fail to determine the presence of asbestos in a certain area of the house or certain material in the house, they could be hit with numerous lawsuits.

The failure to detect the presence of asbestos would be common among home inspectors because of the large number of building materials that could contain asbestos. Asbestos can be present in vinyl floor tiles, vinyl flooring, acoustic ceiling fixture, drywall, joint compound, stucco, asphalt roofing and old insulation systems.

Even if home inspectors detect asbestos content in some areas or building materials, the home inspectors are still liable for undetected asbestos present in other areas.

But there are materials that commonly contain asbestos like acoustic ceilings. But materials that have asbestos content are typically not hazardous as long as the materials are not damaged and preserved in the condition they were created.

In some cases though, home inspectors should disclose asbestos content to homeowners, especially in cases where home inspectors come to know of repair plans that could cause asbestos exposure.

Home inspectors are expected to inform homeowners that asbestos exposure can arise if the acoustic ceiling is repaired or if the vinyl flooring is removed improperly. The scraping of acoustic ceilings or vinyl flooring materials triggers the release of asbestos and causes asbestos-related medical conditions.

Asbestos exposure can also occur if the house has old insulation on air ducts installed before 1973. A duct insulation system that looks like a gray cardboard usually contains asbestos.

In both these cases, home inspectors should inform prospective buyers or homeowners to hire special home inspection professionals to conduct another house inspection that focuses on asbestos.

Asbestos-related advice to prospective home buyers or sellers is crucial in cases where possible asbestos exposure is great.

The home inspection industry could include asbestos inspection and disclosure in the regular home inspection process, but the proliferation of frivolous lawsuits filed against home inspectors and other professionals has prevented the industry from including asbestos exposure in standard home inspection.

Presale Home Inspection Benefits Both Seller and Buyer

A presale home inspection conducted by a professional home inspector benefits both the buyer and the seller.

If you are a seller, you would be able to repair defects previously undetected and remedy problems that could be of much importance to the buyer. Needless to say, there have been many home purchases that fell through because buyers saw something they think could be a problem to them if they buy the house.

If you had a presale home inspection done, you could also estimate if the discount the prospective buyer is asking is reasonable. It would be easier refusing an offer if you know the value of your house, including the extent of its defects.

On the other hand, if you are a buyer, a presale home inspection would ensure that you are buying a home worth the money you are spending. A report from the home inspector would help you estimate how much discount or what types of repairs you are going to ask. The home inspection report would also help you decide whether to pursue the home purchase or walk away from the deal.

You can conduct your own home inspection ahead of the professional home inspection or you can make sure that the home inspector check out major parts of the house you are interested in buying.

Among the first parts you need to check are the overall structure of the house and the structural elements such as the walls, posts and the foundation. Ensure that corners are square and feel how the flooring reacts to your weight as you walk on different areas. Look for bulges and cracks in walls.

Next to check are the water and drainage systems. Track the direction of used water. Ensure that water drains away from the structure and not towards the basement or the foundation. Professionals experienced in special home inspection can detect evidence of water problems such as wood decay and mold.

Test also faucets and plumbing fixtures. Look for leaks and check the water pressure, especially in the upper floors.

Next to check are the electrical and heating systems. Look around to check that wires are not hanging loose or left hidden in corners. Professional home inspection will ensure that electrical systems meet electrical system regulations.

Before agreeing to buy a home, always see to it that the completion of the home sale depends on the result of the professional home inspection.

Are Home Inspectors with IR Inspection Camera Better?

Are home inspectors equipped with infrared imaging device better inspectors than those using only conventional home inspection devices?

This question probably arises when you are choosing among recommended home inspectors and you are being convinced by a particular home inspector that he is better than the rest because he uses a top-of-the-line IR imaging device that can diagnose the conditions of parts of the house that are not easily accessible.

An IR inspection device is a customized camera that takes thermal images of hidden parts of the house or parts behind surfaces.

These thermal images show spots that indicate possible problems in the structures of the house or in the components of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ventilation and water systems.
The IR camera uses the technology of thermography, which enables people to see and gauge images of heat emitted by any material.

Among the defects that can be easily diagnosed by an IR camera are damaged insulation or lack of insulation, faulty mechanical or electrical systems, leaking roofs, constructions defects, damages from previous fires that were already repaired and presence of pests such as termites.

In electrical and mechanical systems, the IR camera can diagnose defects in heat furnace exchanges, flues, motors, wirings, circuits, pumps, refrigerants and HVAC components.
In insulation systems, the IR camera can point out damages or moisture in walls, windows, access plates and crawlspaces.

Nevertheless, no matter how efficient the features of the IR camera are, mere possession of the IR camera by home inspectors is not an assurance that your home inspection will be adequate and well-done. This is because the usefulness of the IR camera depends on the skill and training of the house inspectors and their understanding of thermography.

Experienced home inspectors trained in thermography will know when to say that a hot or cold area in the thermal image represents a problem. Sometimes, thermal images show heat coming from materials other than the parts being diagnosed.

In the home inspection and thermal imaging industry, there are thermal imaging camera operators, thermographers and house inspectors who are also good thermographers.
Because of the high cost of thermography devices, home inspectors using them would most probably increase their fees to cover the acquisition of the device.

In conclusion, not all home inspectors using the IR camera are better than those who do not use the device. There are talented inspectors that can perform better without the device. But good home inspectors who can also use the IR camera well will be able to help those seeking more thorough home inspections.

Buyers of Vacant Homes Need Independent House Inspectors

Existing defects in homes become worse if the homes have been unoccupied for a long time so allocate time and money to hire independent house inspectors to ensure that what you are buying is worth your investment.

According to Bill Richardson, who heads the 6,000-member American Society of Home Inspectors, the most common cause of defects that home inspectors discover as they conduct home inspection is neglect or lack of maintenance.

Home inspectors have found that owners do not change furnace and air conditioning filters, do not repair windows and doors and do not fix leaking plumbing fixtures.

Problems are also magnified in houses that have been foreclosed and abandoned. Some frustrated homeowners destroy parts of the house before they are evicted. Other vacant foreclosed homes are damaged by thieves, vandals, squatters, drug addicts and young people just looking for some place to move around.

Mold can also grow in a house that has been unoccupied for a long time, especially in a unit where water is leaking from pipes or dripping from faucets. Thin mold can quickly turn into black mold after only a few weeks if parts of the house are wet.

Kathleen Kuhn, head of inspection service HouseMaster, advises prospective home buyers to hire independent house inspectors to do home inspections on houses they are planning to buy. Independent home inspectors are not biased towards the seller, builder or realtor in the home purchasing process. They see to it that the buyer knows what he is paying for with his or her money and they help the buyer decides whether to walk away from the purchase or negotiate with the seller for a discount or for repair.

But HouseMaster has offered tips to prospective homebuyers for detecting defects on their own before they hire independent house inspectors for the final home inspection.

Check the electrical system. See to it that there are no electric wires hanging or hiding under carpets. Excessive use of extension cords indicates that the electric system of the house was not well planned or outdated.

Next to check is the plumbing system. When you turn faucets, the water pressure should be enough to serve your needs. Low water pressure could mean problems with the piping systems or connections to the community water system.

Check horizontal cracks in the foundation of the house because these indicate major problems that need excavation and major repairs.

Ceiling or wall stains also indicate problems in insulation or moisture control systems.
To ensure that you are buying a house worth your investment, choose from among independent home inspectors who are members of reputable home inspection associations.

Benefits of Mandatory House Inspection

The proposed mandatory home inspection for foreclosure properties and abandoned properties are being opposed by realtors and sellers who believe that mandatory home inspection would hinder the sale of their properties.

But builders and contractors who have seen the consequences of unsafe repairs on various house systems reiterate the importance of mandatory home inspection.

Mandatory home inspection would protect renters and buyers and their families, especially first time homebuyers who are not knowledgeable about home inspection.

First time homebuyers and first time individual investors are oftentimes enticed to skip home inspection because of the low asking price for the foreclosed homes. They are told that house conditions such as major electrical, plumbing and structural defects can easily be repaired or can easily be remedied by low-cost repair contractors.

Later, when the foreclosed or abandoned property which did not undergo professional home inspection would be rented out or sold to unsuspecting buyers, the occupants would be unaware of serious defects that could cause accidents or life-threatening situations.It is irresponsible for sellers and realtors to skip home inspection. To prevent this negligence, mandatory property inspection for all communities is proposed.

Mandatory home inspection for abandoned foreclosure houses can also protect neighborhoods from deteriorating. Even neighborhoods in gated communities can become havens of squatters and criminals if vacant foreclosure properties are not supervised, inspectedand maintained for a long time.

Aside from blight, neighborhoods with foreclosure properties that are not inspected and maintained also face deterioration in home values. Prices of foreclosure homes go down, taking down with them the prices of nearby houses which are well-maintained and occupied.

Without professional inspection, foreclosure properties also put an overwhelming pressure on community resources such as fire service, sheriff’s office and emergency medical services. The presence of criminals would force municipalities to spend more tax money on law enforcement services.

All these community problems can be solved if mandatory home inspection is proposed and approved by legislators and then implemented.

Home inspection will ensure that houses, especially abandoned foreclosure houses, are examined, fixed and maintained in compliance with building code provisions. Professional inspection will ensure that families are safe in their homes and that children are safe when they play in their backyards.

Home inspection is not a costly undertaking especially if the benefits for families and communities are considered. Mandatory home inspection is a life-saving issue for legislators to consider.

Find Your Dream Home with the Help of House Inspectors

You can still find your dream home among foreclosed houses and other distressed homes in many areas of the country, as long as you hire professional home inspectors to make sure that the house you are buying is worth your investment.

There are foreclosure houses which are well maintained, especially in communities that are fiercely guarding their areas against deterioration from foreclosures. But there are also foreclosure properties which have deteriorated to a point that they need major repairs.

For both conditions, you need the services of professional home inspectors. For well-maintained foreclosure houses, home inspectors can make sure that what you initially see is the real condition of the property.

For abandoned homes, home inspectors can help you determine the damages and defects and help you estimate the cost of repairs. Their home inspection reports can help you decide if the repairs can be covered by future profits or price discounts from the seller or if it is better for you to walk away from the planned purchase.

Sellers can also benefit from the work of home inspectors. Owners are able to identify defects and damages that they need to repair so that they can remedy them before buyers see them. Needless to say, it is easier to sell houses that have no defects or damages.

Sellers can also estimate the level of discounts that they can give to potential buyers if they know the defects of their houses.

If you cannot get information about home inspectors or referrals from your family, neighbors or friends, you can visit the American Society of Home Inspectors’ web site. ASHI, considered among the most respected home inspection associations in the county, has more stringent membership requirements than other house inspection associations.

On the ASHI web site, you can find qualified home inspectors in your area. The inspectors’ specialties and experiences and related information are also included.

As you choose from the listed home inspectors, check references. Do not base your choice solely on price. Fees typically go up if specialized inspections are needed, such as inspection of septic systems, termite inspection and detection of toxic building materials.

When interviewing home inspectors, ask how they do their inspections and ask for sample inspection reports.

Lastly, attend the house inspection. This is your opportunity to learn from home inspectors and to make sure that you are making a great investment.

How to Pass Your Home Inspection Easily

Whatever your reasons for obtaining a home inspection, there are several things that you need to check and do to pass the home inspection.

If you are obtaining a home inspection for loan refinancing, home equity loan or for listing because you are selling your house, you need to do the following so that your house will surely pass the home inspection.

Among the things that you need to check is your plumbing system. Check for leaks around your pipes and your faucets and the connectors that supply water to your dish washer and washing machine. Home inspectors say many houses fail inspection because of water leaks.

If you house is built in the 1970s and 1980s, see to it that the pipes used are standard. There are types of pipes that will not pass home inspections.

Another system to check is your electrical system. See to it that your electrical outlets work and that the connectors are not loose.

Check your circuit breaker. See to it that the breaker boxes are wired properly. Faulty wiring and wrong size of boxes are among the leading causes of fires in homes.

Your heating systems should also be checked and fixed by a professional experienced in heating and ventilation systems. Annual checking of heating systems will ensure that the burners are replaced and that leaks are fixed. Filters should be replaced periodically to ensure the proper flow of heat through the house.

Periodic maintenance of heating systems also ensures that carbon monoxide leaks will not occur. Gas leaking is always given attention by the inspector during home inspection.

Ensure also that your insulation in the attic is not causing higher energy costs. Check that shingles are correctly installed and secured. Improperly installed shingles cause water leaks during the rainy season and will start damaging the house. Repairs on structures are among the most costly home projects.

Another important house system is your drainage system. See to it that your gutters properly drain so that water will not accumulate near the foundations of the house.

Drainage problems also cause mold, which has become a big problem in many houses. During the home inspection, the inspector will check if your drainage system directs water to where they should be going. Clean your gutters regularly.

If you have checked your major systems and have fixed and replaced defective parts, surely you will pass your home inspection easily.

Professional House Inspection: A Must for Foreclosed Homes

Foreclosure homes provide price opportunities for buyers, but they can also become pits that swallow buyers’ savings if they are purchased without professional house inspection.

Home inspection would show defects undetected by the prospective home buyer and would help determine if the asking price is reasonable.

Bill Richardson, president of the 6,000-member 80-chapter American Society of Home Inspectors, said that a lot of defects discovered during house inspection were caused by neglect and lack of maintenance. Many inspectors are seeing leaking faucets, air conditioners and furnaces without filters and damaged windows and doors.

Kathleen Kuhn, head of the New Jersey-based 380-affiliate franchise organization HeadMaster, said most inspectors doing home inspections on foreclosed homes see many defects due to neglect and vandalism. Kuhn said that some homeowners forced out of houses vent their anger on walls and other parts of the house.

Foreclosed houses that have become vacant for so long have also been seen with molds during home inspection. Molds can be removed with proper cleaning and ventilation, but it will take time, including money to buy strong cleaning solutions and to hire cleaning personnel.

Richardson also added that many home inspection processes conducted in foreclosure homes resulted in findings of leaking valves, defective appliances, damaged gaskets, broken hoses and missing plumbing fixtures.

Kuhn said defects in plumbing can cause floods that would damage many parts of the house and wipe out the homeowners’ savings due to expensive repairs.

Meanwhile, Richardson added that when a sewer trap dries out, it could permit methane gas to enter the house.

Both Richardson and Kuhn also described foreclosed house damages caused by thieves and vandals. Inspectors also come to know during home inspection that many foreclosure properties with a lot of damages were owned by lenders that did not carry out foreclosure proceedings with compassion.

So if you are investing your money in foreclosure properties either for your own use or for investment purposes, hire a professional house inspector to conduct a home inspection.

The fees you are going to spend for house inspection will be returned to you in the form of peace of mind and the assurance that the lower price you paid for the foreclosure property will not double because of expensive repairs.

Home inspection will also help you calculate repair costs so you will know how much discount or what repairs you are going to negotiate with the seller.

Heat Exchangers Not Checked During Regular Home Inspection

Home buyers like you may be surprised to know that the examination of furnace heat exchangers is not included in a regular home inspection.

You may also be frustrated to know that the reason for the exclusion is the prevalence of frivolous suits in the country. The home inspection industry has chosen to protect home inspectors from being burdened with costly lawsuits that could jeopardize their profession.
Home inspection leaders argue that typically heat exchangers are inaccessible during regular home inspection and that these devices can only be examined if the furnace is dismantled.

This is why standard home inspection checklists and contracts specifically point out that heat exchangers are not included in standard house inspection procedures.

This is also the reason many house inspectors no longer take time in examining a furnace’s burner chambers even if they can.

Home inspectors who are more committed to their profession and who care for their clients take time in seeing signs of defects in the heat exchangers even if they cannot fully access them. According to many home inspectors, fissures or cracks in the visible portions of the firebox can be seen if the inspector uses a flashlight to take a look into the burner opening.

Other visible indicators of defects such as black soot, rust flakes and incorrect flame patterns can be seen if home inspectors care enough.

The case of a homeowner whose heater failed just six months after moving in illustrates one kind of failed home inspection. The house is only four years old and the home buyer has just moved in, but he is already required to spend over $1,000 to repair the heater.

According to the homebuyer, the heating contractor was able to show him a fissure in the exchanger without dismantling the whole heating system. The homebuyer argued that the home inspector could have easily seen the crack if he only exercised a higher level of professionalism and care towards the buyer during the home inspection.

For similar cases of failed inspection, the homebuyer is advised to talk with the home inspector involved and negotiate an acceptable solution. The home inspector should be asked to reinspect the furnace so that he can see that the fissure is visible and should have noted the crack during the home inspection. If the home inspector does not accept any responsibility, the homebuyer can report the problem to a mediator or arbitrator.

Checking the Plumbing System during Home Inspection

Although all systems and parts of a house are essential and therefore should all be examined thoroughly in home inspection, the plumbing system should receive some extra attention because it is one of the most often needed systems of the house.

We all drink water, clean our bodies with water, cook with water, and so on. So home inspection professionals should ensure that home buyers do not have problems with plumbing systems when they finally move in. While homeowners can endure waiting for other parts of the house to be repaired or restored, they cannot endure waiting for water systems to be restored.
Plumbing systems, just like other essential systems, should be working perfectly.

During professional home inspection, plumbing systems are examined and tested for their condition and their function. As advised by home inspection industry leaders, home inspectors do not typically turn on the main water valve before inspection. They let authorized persons turn on the water first. There could be legal problems that may arise if the inspector turns on the valve and a major flooding happens.

Inspection of the plumbing system usually begins in the kitchen. The inspector turns on the water to check the faucets, drains, sink, piping, waste leaks, water pressure, water volume and drainage.

The house inspector also runs the dishwasher to ensure that there are no leaks and that the hot water feature is working.

The next rooms to be checked are the bathrooms. The inspector tries to move the sinks, bath fixtures and toilets to see if they are solid and are correctly installed. Tubs, showers, diverter valves and flush mechanisms are checked. Presence of water around toilets and tubs and under sinks should be checked further.

The inspector should wait for some time to ensure that the water heater is working.

The next places to be inspected are crawlspaces, floors and the basement. The inspector looks for signs of defects such as leaks, stains and residues.

A good home inspection professional should be able to tell the client and write in the home inspection report if the plumbing system has corrosion, abandoned piping, unsupported piping and suspicious stains.

A home inspection that has been carried out well in all of the systems and parts of the house will help not only the prospective homebuyer or seller, but also help enhance the profession and career of the home inspector.

Make Your Home Safe, Conduct a Home Inspection

Your house could become an accident prone area if you fail to fix defective equipment or systems. To keep your house safe, you should conduct a home inspection either by yourself or with the help of a professional house inspector.

But if you are occupying an old house that has not been inspected by a professional home inspector for a long time, it is best that you hire a professional home inspector.

Still, there is no one prohibiting you to do your own home inspection as long as you know what you are doing and you are the type of person who has been completing do-it-yourself home projects for a long time. You can later call for a special inspection for systems and parts that need specialized examination.

Among the appliances and equipment that could cause injury if not maintained or properly operated are gas furnaces, fireplaces, electrical appliances, water heaters, garage doors, stairways, firewalls, safety glass and electrical wirings.

Even safety equipment installed for safety purposes can become causes of accidents. A pressure and temperature relief valve or drain line improperly installed on a heater could make the heater explode. Improper electrical grounding can result in fire or electrocution.

Particularly for older houses, some toxic materials may have been used, such as lead or asbestos. Home safety practices have been constantly changing as improvements in home building technology, building materials, construction standards, building equipment and house construction techniques occur.

During your home inspection, your professional house inspector should be able to point out safety issues and recommend actions for maintenance, further examination, upgrades or repair.
Among the parts and systems that your home inspection specialist should examine are electrical panels, kitchen counter tops, kitchen appliances, the hot water heater system and the surrounding area, the air conditioning system and the surrounding area, the main water line, the garage overhead, service doors and foundation walls.

For older homes, owners are not compelled to make necessary upgrades to comply with new building standards and practices. It is up to the homeowner to implement safety recommendations written in the home inspection report.

Remember, however, that safety issues are major concerns for everyone. The safety of your family is foremost.

No house can be made 100 percent safe, as its use depends on the occupants, but all homeowners can eliminate or reduce risks.

Conduct then your home inspection and look for parts and systems that should to be repaired and made safe.

Keep Your Home Termite-Free, Hire a House Inspection Expert

Houses in Florida are not only in danger of being battered by hurricanes; they are also at risk of being clobbered by termites. So if your house is in Florida, have a home inspection conducted by a professional home inspector specializing in termite inspection.

In Florida, there are several species of termites that can destroy houses if they are not detected during house inspection and are not eliminated.

Drywood termites build their colonies in dry, good wood. While they eat the wood, they make small pellets and pile them around their homes.

Subterranean termites live underground in colonies that can comprise over 1 million termites. As they move above ground, they built tunnels to prevent them from being seen and from being killed by predators. They use the tunnels to enter a house and then eat furniture, drywall, books and other materials. During house inspection these tunnels can be detected by a good home inspector.

Formosan termites are the more ravenous species because of their larger colonies, which often times comprise of millions of termites. They can destroy parts of a house more quickly than the other termite species.

Subterranean termites can be controlled or eliminated through regular house inspection and preventive maintenance. Fix your drainage system so it will prevent water from accumulating near the home’s foundations and will eliminate potential sites for termites. A regular home inspection can pinpoint problems in these areas.

Remove all wood and soil contacts near the foundation of your house and around yourhouse. Store wood stacks away from your house and off the soil.

Do not maintain mulch beds near your house, as mulch can become sources of moisture and food for termites. Your crawlspaces should also be free from newspapers, old books, scrap wood and boxes as these materials can attract termites. Crawlspaces should also have ventilation.

Drywood termites can be controlled by sealing wood with varnish, paint or sealant. Wood cracks and nail holes should be sealed to discourage termites from eating the wood.

Windows and doors can be protected by covering them with 2-mesh screens, especially windows that cover attic and crawl space openings.

Termite treatments can cost $1,000 or $2,000, but they will protect you from spending thousands more for repairs if parts of your house are destroyed. Conduct a professional home inspection to ensure your house is termite-free.

Home Inspectors Help Make Your Home Energy Efficient

The relatively small fee you pay house inspectors to find how you can make your homes energy efficient will be returned to you many times over in terms of monthly savings on your utility bills.

There are at least three things that home inspectors will accomplish during energy efficiency inspection: home inspection, analysis and recommendation.

First, home inspectors will inspect the house and check if there are energy efficiency strategies installed and if the design of the house incorporated energy efficiency techniques. They will check the energy efficiency ratings of all appliances. They will also look at ways by which the house can save some more energy for the occupants.

Next, home inspectors analyze the data gathered through the use of a customized energy efficiency and home inspection software. This specialized software will help them come up with ways by which the occupants can reduce their energy bills.

After the analysis has been done, house inspectors will explain the condition of the house in terms of its energy efficiency performance and then enumerate ways by which energy efficiency can be attained or improved.

Home inspectors will also explain energy products that will cost homeowners initially but will save them energy in the long run.

Home inspectors can also provide the total energy efficiency rating of the house. Many older homes would get a score of between 50 and 70 while newer homes would get at least 80. Homes rated 86 or higher are considered Energy Star rated homes.

Since residential energy efficiency got into most people’s consciousness only in recent years, sellers of new homes would oftentimes market their units as energy efficient homes even if the homes have low energy efficiency ratings. Sellers would oftentimes focus their marketing talk on the installation of energy efficient appliances.

Among the systems of the home that home inspectors would check is the heating system. Heating cost is one of the major contributors to the total house energy costs. The heating system could have been oversized, increasing heating cost by as much as 30 percent. Sealing air leaks, replacing old windows with energy-efficient windows and increasing insulation can reduce heating requirement.

Home inspectors can do energy efficiency inspection as a separate inspection. To save on inspection costs, home buyers or homeowners can request house inspectors to incorporate energy efficiency inspection with the regular home inspection.

Understanding the home inspection process, and what it's so important to do one

Many people these days are interested in buying a home to take advantage of low interest rates and the fantastic pricing that has been brought about by the foreclosure crisis. The home buying experience will be far less stressful if you have the home inspected by a qualified home inspector. In many municipalities, having a home inspection is a required part of the sale, but there are still places where it is optional and some people do not have an inspection done. This could be a costly mistake especially when dealing with a foreclosed property. As a buyer, you are investing a significant portion of money into the purchase of a home, and the inspection can ease the fear about any problems that may arise after the sale of the home is completed.

The inspection will start on the outside of home by assessing the general condition of the exterior. The foundation; siding, brick, or stucco; soffit and facia; gutters and downspouts; and roofing will be closely examined to determine the condition.

The foundation should be free from any large vertical cracks or other significant damage, and the area for at least five feet around the home should have proper drainage sloping away from the structure. Any shrubbery or trees should be planted a reasonable distance away from the home to prevent problems with roots and to prevent excessive water from pooling near the foundation.

The siding, brick, or stucco should be free from any major defects and the trim around all windows should appear to fit snuggly and be caulked very well. The soffit and facia should also appear to be free from any major defects. The soffit should fit well and not have any large gaps and the facia should be free from any warping or damage due to weather. The gutters should fit up against the facia snuggly and should not have any holes or rusted spots. They should be free of debris, and the downspouts should be checked to see if they are free of debris and that they drain well away from the foundation of the structure.

When inspecting the roofing of a home, the major problems to look for are how well the roofing material is sealed around the penetrations coming out of the roof. A close inspection inside the attic of the home is needed to be sure that these penetrations are not leaking. The roofing material should be in good condition. The roofing material should extend about one inch over the facia to allow for proper drainage of rain or melting snow into the gutter system.

Any decks attached to the home should be thoroughly examined for sturdiness and the condition of the material used to construct the deck should be in good condition and free from any weather related damage.

Upon moving inside the home to continue the inspection, the major systems of the home are the most important part of the interior. This includes the heating/cooling system, the plumbing systems and the electrical system. The inspection of these systems is generally where the cost of the inspection is truly worth the money invested. Most home buyers will not be able to tell if any of these components are in good condition or if they have serious defects. A certified home inspector can save a home buyer thousands of dollars in costly repairs, and sometimes prevent a life threatening situation from developing.

The inspection in this area includes examining and testing the furnace and air conditioning, and all of the ducting connected to them; all plumbing connections including the hot water heater, faucets, toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Examining the electrical system includes testing all the switches, plugs, lighting fixtures, and the panel in the home.

The inspector will then move to the kitchen and check the condition of the appliances, as well as the condition of the cabinets and countertops. The appliances need to be in good working condition and be free from any major defects.

Another area that has become very important in the inspection process is checking the condition of the insulation of the home. A thorough examination of the attic should reveal adequate insulation regardless of the climate. The exterior walls of the home should also have adequate insulation as well. The windows and exterior doors should be examined for proper fit and weather stripping.

The final focus of the inspection will then move to the condition of the interior doors, trim, paint, and floor coverings.

The inspector's job also includes informing the potential home buyer at every step of the inspection as to what the inspector is discovering while examining the home. If any major defects are uncovered, the inspector usually provides an estimate of the cost associated with fixing the problem. This information allows the potential home buyer to evaluate the contract price and determine if a different offer needs to be made.

Sometimes a buyer will use this information to back out of the home purchase contract which is why it is imperative for a buyer to make sure the home inspection provision is present in the contract when making an offer. When this provision is included in the offer and in the event a major defect is uncovered, the buyer is allowed to receive an earnest money refund and will not be held liable for breaking the contract. Without this provision, the buyer can be legally forced to execute the contract even if there are major defects that will cost the buyer thousands of dollars to repair.

The nominal fee to hire a home inspector is well worth the investment. Buying a home is usually the single most expensive purchase in most people's lives and the inspection of that home really does help the home buyer make the process more enjoyable.

One Misconception about Home Inspection

One of the most common misconceptions in home inspection and home buying is the use of the home inspection report to oblige the seller to remedy the defects identified during the inspection or to make the needed repairs described in the report.

The truth is that the obligation of the seller to make repairs depends on the residential purchase contract signed by both seller and buyer. It also depends on the state where the purchase contract is signed as states vary in some of the provisions of the purchase contract.

Some states have stronger protections for the home buyer than for the seller while other states have balanced protections for the seller and buyer.

In some cases, the repair of defects described by the home inspector depends entirely on the seller. Some sellers repair defects even if they are not obliged based on the purchase contract because they believe it is the right thing to do.

Other sellers would insist on their right not to repair as spelled out in the purchase contract because of economic reasons.There are also other sellers who are dismayed by requests for repairs or discounts after the home inspection, especially in cases where the house is already being obviously sold at a big loss to the seller.

In some states, a buyer has the right to perform all kinds of home inspection on the house they are buying during the default period of ten days after the signing of the residential purchase contract. The default period of ten days can be extended if both the seller and the buyer agree.

After the end of the ten-day period, sometimes called discovery period in some states, the buyer decides on whether to complete the purchase or to refund the earnest money.

In some states, lawmakers have provided a paragraph called option period in the residential purchase contract to balance the interests of both buyer and seller. Basically, the seller and the buyer check options in the purchase contract with regards to repairs after the home inspection.
In some purchase contracts, the as-is condition of the property is one of the major provisions.

Under this purchase condition, the buyer accepts, acquires and pays the property in its current condition. If the home buyer signs this condition in the purchase contract, the seller is not obliged to make any kind of repair described in the home inspection report.

House Inspectors for Homes Built during the Boom

The housing boom pressured builders to construct a lot of homes in short time frames, causing construction defects that oftentimes only professional home inspectors can immediately see.

So, prospective home buyers really need to hire professional home inspectors licensed to conduct home inspection in the state where the houses are located.

In a 250-unit subdivision in Sacramento Valley, more than 50 percent of residents have reported at least one major defect in their homes. The residents have filed a lawsuit against the builder, seeking money to repair their homes, but while waiting for the case to proceed, they have to suffer leaks, cracks, fissures, shifting floors and other defects possibly for a longer time.

If these residents hired professional home inspectors, they would have avoided their current housing problems.

Housing analysts said that the fast pace of home construction from the 1990s to 2000 to satisfy the soaring demand for homes contributed to significant numbers of construction defects, compared to building defects in houses built in normal times.

During the construction boom, builders had to continue the work despite the shortage of high-quality building materials and skilled construction workers.

Many local government agencies also failed to inspect adequately housing projects because their home inspectors could not cope with large numbers of projects.

Based on data from the National Association of Home Builders, over 2 million homes were constructed across the country during the construction boom in 2005. A national association of home inspectors estimates that about 17 percent of new homes constructed in 2006 had more than two significant defects.

In 2003, the percentage of new homes with at least 2 major defects was 15 percent.

Nevertheless, according to a large insurance firm covering home construction defects, the number of homeowners filing for residential defects is declining, partly because of the increasing awareness among prospective home buyers about the importance of hiring professional and licensed home inspectors.

The firm also added that the number of insurance claims for construction defects in some states is still increasing because of attempts by some homeowners to turn insignificant defects into cash.

Still, many construction defects are real. A homeowner in Minnesota bought an eight-year-old house that now needs to be overhauled at a cost of $228,000. The homeowner said it does not make sense making the repairs as the value of the house has gone down to only $190,000.

With these defects and home value deterioration, prospective home buyers should have been persuaded by now about the value of hiring licensed professional home inspectors

Home Inspections for Sale in As-Is Properties

Some prospective homebuyers forego professional home inspection when buying as-is properties for sale because the sellers are not obliged to make repairs anyway, so prospective buyers would just depend on their own home inspection.

But the as-is sales condition should all the more prod prospective homebuyers to conduct professional home inspection. There could be serious conditions in the homes that are not immediately visible and are not noticed by the homebuyers because of their inexperience or their excitement in finally buying a home.

In a typical as-is home purchase contract, the buyer accepts the current condition of the house as of contract date, home inspection date or settlement date. The seller does not make any guarantee concerning the physical condition of the house, the appliances in the house and other systems inside and outside of the house.

The contract also specifies that the seller has no obligation to repair any defect in the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, air conditioning or heating systems of the house.

The only thing required in as-is properties for sale is the good working condition of smoke detectors. This requirement also depends on current regulations in states where the as-is property is located.

Based on real estate data, most distressed homes available in the market are being sold under the as-is sales condition. Even banks are selling many of their real estate-owned properties or bank-owned foreclosure homes under the as-is condition.

Also, because many banks do not have property maintenance departments, they turn off the utilities of their distressed properties to winterize them, putting prospective home buyers in a dilemma of whether to take the time and effort to de-winterize the properties to conduct a more thorough home inspection or just leave the matter to chance.

In the conventional as-is sales contract, the seller is not obliged to have the utilities turned on so that a complete home inspection could be carried out.

On the other hand, a home purchase sales contract with a home inspection contingency means that the completion of the home sale will depend on the result of the professional house inspection, which includes radon contingency inspection in many contracts.

The contract states the deadline of the house inspection and also specifies that the utilities are turned on during home inspection.

After the home inspection is carried out, the seller and the buyer or their agents negotiate about defects detected during inspection. Both buyer and seller have the right to cancel the contract if they cannot agree on what is to be done after the house inspection.

Home Improvement Safety: Asbestos Removal & Healthy Options

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used in millions of building and construction applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was praised for its heat resistance, strength, flexibility and insulating properties. Asbestos is still regarded as one of the most hazardous building materials. The path to purchasing a new home is an investment of a lifetime, insuring stability and unity for you and your family.

Potential home buyers or those seeking to remodel older homes should be aware asbestos exposure can lead to many health ailments. If your home was built before 1980, there is a chance it may contain asbestos.

However, this does not mean you should be devastatingly alarmed. With the proper precautions and a professional home inspection, exposure to asbestos can be easily prevented. There are now many eco-friendly options that replace the need for asbestos.

If you find asbestos in the home, you shouldn’t panic. At the same time, you shouldn’t take it lightly. Asbestos that is disturbed or damaged due to age is known as “friable” asbestos. This is a serious concern because its toxic fibers can easily circulate and become inhaled. In most situations, asbestos appears in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires. If you believe that your home contains asbestos, a home inspection could be extremely important for safety, health and investment reasons.

The frequent inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can cause a severe lung ailment known as pleural mesothelioma. This form of asbestos lung cancer takes the lives of thousands every year. With a latency period that lasts from 20 to 50 years, it isn’t until the later stages of progression when physicians usually are able to accurately diagnose. This also affects accurate mesothelioma prognosis for patients.

According to the experts, the general rule of thumb is if the asbestos is in good shape, it’s posing no apparent risk. If it’s in bad shape, it could be a problem. If an inspector deems the substance harmful, the removal of asbestos in public facilities, workplaces and homes must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic substances. Depending on the condition of the asbestos, many experts feel it is better to seal it off than remove it.

Recycled building materials that are viable options to asbestos include: cellulose, cotton fiber and lcynene foam. These environmentally sustainable products can also reduce annual energy costs by 25 to 35 percent. The move to a greener lifestyle will build on the change to healthier methods of building products, home remodeling and renovation. These new environmentally-sustainable alternatives create healthier, quieter and more energy efficient homes in the 21st century.

What to Ask from a Home Inspector

Purchasing a house is one of the most important decisions anyone can ever make. It is then greatly important to take all the necessary steps prior to buy a house. One of the investments a home buyer should make on top of purchasing the house itself is home inspection. This is so that you will have a good assessment of the condition of the house, as you will base your offer on the house on its present condition.

A home inspection report should include all the information regarding the property. It should be exhaustive, enumerating all the parts of the property, and providing a complete explanation of each one. Normally, a home inspection report includes information on important aspects of the house, some of which are the following:

• Structure of the house
  
• Construction of the house
  
• Plumbing
  
• Electrical systems
  

Evaluations on the aspects mentioned above should include the length of time the feature can still function properly, and the overall longevity of the house. Depending on the size of the house, a home inspection typically lasts for two hours, the result of which is a comprehensive and exhaustive report.

It is highly advisable the, to carefully select a home inspector, since a great factor on your decision of whether to buy a property or not will depend on the result of a home inspection. What sets a good home inspector apart from others? Here are some criteria that make an excellent inspector:

• Experience. As in any field, experience teaches anyone the best way. If the inspector has already done numerous inspections through the years, then there is a big chance that he really is good in his chosen field.

• Membership in an association. This ensures the credibility of an inspector. On the other hand, if you are considering someone that is not part of any organization or association, you can ask around and do your own research about the credibility of the person.
  

A good home inspector will definitely give you the right information that you need as you purchase a house. However, it is still important for you to be part of the inspection. During the scheduled visit to the house you are considering to purchase, you can tag along and observe the inspection. This does not only ensure you that your inspector is doing their job, but it also serves as an orientation for you to your potential new property.

Both the Buyer and the Seller Should Get a Home Inspector

Prior to purchasing a home, it is important for a buyer to conduct a home inspection services. A typical home inspection cost is around $500 and above, and investing in getting a home inspection report can even be worth more than all the other unnecessary costs a buyer can incur.

Even if the seller already provides you with a home inspection report, it is highly advisable for you to still conduct your own. Usually, a home inspection is conducted after the seller has made their offer. This is assuming that the seller had also conducted a thorough inspection of the property.

As the buyer, you deserve to know every important detail about the house, such as electrical outlets, furnaces, doors and roofs. It is also highly recommended to go with the inspector as he goes through the whole property. In case you are to purchase the house, at least you know the parts that need attention, such as repair or upgrades.

Based on the report given to you by the seller, as well as the report made by the home inspector you hired, you can then make an offer that is contingent on both results. Moreover, you can decide to cancel your offer to purchase the property, in case the home inspection proves that the house is not worthy to be bought.

On the other hand, if you are the seller of a house, you should also take the responsibility of conducting a home inspection before selling the property. This will give buyers the impression that you are a credible seller and that you do business the right way. You can provide a home inspection report to buyers, disclosing every detail important about the house. This does not only establish your credibility as a seller, but it also gives the buyer a good idea of the condition of the house.

However, it is important to note that however extensive a home inspection maybe, trivial items for repair are not mentioned anymore. By default, it is the seller’s responsibility to make the necessary repairs for minor details. Also, depending on the market, the seller may even opt to refuse to repair anything in the house. If the market for the house is hot, then he can opt to refuse repairing anything. However, if the market is cold, he can do repairs so that he will not lose the chance to sell at such a futile season.

What to Ask During Home Inspection

A successful home purchase is something to be excited about. It does not end there, however. The process is just on its way to the end. The next move is to get a home inspection. Unfortunately, the process is not very easy – it can be challenging especially for new homeowners. Fortunately, getting a home inspection can eventually spare you a lot of trouble and is worth all the effort in the end.

A home inspection not only lets you know about the condition of a house. It can even save you considerable amount as you can have the home price cut down when home inspection reports show major problems in the property. You can also ask the seller to fix the problems before you take over the property. If you do not conduct home inspection, you would not find out about necessary repairs early on.

When you hire a home inspector, there are things that you might need to ask them. It is therefore advisable to be present during home inspection. Here are some things you might ask your home inspector:

• Ask about all matters regarding the home that might concern you. Different buyers have different specific concerns; let your home inspector know about yours.
• Inquire about the drainage system of the property. You have to know whether the drainage is functioning well. Aside from the drainage, you can ask about other matters regarding the exteriors such as protecting the roofing. Also, if the property has a basement, you can ask the home inspector for tips on how to keep it dry.
• There are some things around the house that can make acquiring insurance harder than usual. One example is when the house has aluminum wiring or knob and tube wiring. You can ask your inspector if the house has those materials.
• Ask your home inspector regarding the house plumbing. You have to know whether the clean out cap is brand new as there may be issues when it is. Also ask about the pipes. As for the heating system, ask about its every part.
• Most importantly, ask about the home structure. Even if they would not be able to tell you about the insides of the walls, they can give you a general idea on whether the home is sturdy.
  

You can ask several questions to your home inspector but remember to limit them to those he can answer. Stick to questions that have to do with the condition of the house; refrain from asking questions about the price or whether you should buy the property or not. Home inspectors cannot give you the answer to those questions; they can only help you arrive at a wise decision.

Importance of Hiring a Home Inspector

One question home buyers can ask themselves is this: Is it better to purchase a pre-owned or a brand new house or condominium? If you are a potential home buyer, you might think that it is better to get one that is newly constructed. In fact, more than one out of five home buyers would agree with you. This is because a newly constructed house is in perfect condition. Well, in theory. Although there can be more defects in a pre-owned house, a newly-constructed property can have many as well. Because of this, it is important to get a home inspector to conduct the necessary evaluation and assessment of the house that you want to buy.

Conducting a home inspection will allow you as a buyer to deal with the issues even before you purchase the house. This will save you money as well as time when you have finally moved in. Here are the things you need to look at and ask for when a home inspection is conducted. Once you have seen and evaluated the following things, you can ask the seller to conduct the necessary repairs and adjust the selling price.

Also, during the inspection, you can choose to go with the home inspector so that you get to be more familiar with your potential house. This way, you will know what areas need attention and what items need to be repaired even before you move in.

• The mechanical and electrical systems of the house are properly running.
• Vents are properly installed.
• Both the cooling and heating systems are working well.
• There is enough insulation in the house.

Basically, there are two home inspections that are performed as you buy a house. The first one takes place before the house is sold. This is the time when it is already vacated and is ready for occupancy. This would give you information about your new house.

Moreover, you can use the home inspection report as a basis for the final price set by the seller. The second inspection is done once the foreclosure is already final. This is the time when the property is put up to be auctioned.

Typically, the inspection is more extensive and will provide you with all the necessary information you would need before you make the purchase. Also, when you have already purchased the property, you will easily be able to conduct the necessary repairs and other adjustments.