A qualified home inspector can help homeowners in Fort Collins, Colorado comply with city multifamily housing standards.
Across the city, many homeowners have converted their single-family homes into rental duplexes or have added rental spaces by converting their basements or garages into dwelling units without obtaining the needed permits and without complying with building codes.
These homeowners did not apply for multifamily building permits partly because of the high development permit fees which can reach $15,000 per unit and partly because of the high costs of complying with multifamily building standards.
To help these homeowners, the city of Fort Collins has launched an amnesty program waiving the costly development fees and requiring only fees of between $200 to $400.
The main goal of the program, which ends on June 15, 2011, is to ensure that all houses across the city meet health, habitability and safety standards and to lessen the financial burden of compliance.
According to Mike Gebo, chief of the Fort Collins Building Department, the first thing homeowners need to do is to check the city zoning maps or call the zoning office if multifamily uses are allowed in their areas.
If multifamily housing is allowed, the next thing they should do is to hire a house inspector to help them check if their multifamily housing is up to city building standards and to tell them what they should do to comply with the standards.
House inspection is essential because it facilitates the process of getting the certificate of occupancy under the amnesty program. When the city inspector conducts his own building inspection, all he needs to do is to ensure that the housing is compliant with codes and then gives the approval for the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Among the things that the city inspector will examine and that multifamily housing owners will correct are basement bedrooms without egress windows, use of a single air furnace to supply heat to two separate units, problems with electrical and plumbing systems and inadequate heating, ventilation and kitchen facilities.
For homeowners who made units for rental housing in neighborhoods not zoned for multifamily uses, they need to convert back their properties into single-family housing units.
For owners of housing units that were converted into duplexes when previous zoning laws allowed their conversion, homeowners need to show the city inspector old rental receipts, lease agreements, tax returns or other documents that can prove that the duplexes were constructed in compliance with laws.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Inspector for Foreclosures Will Save You from Loss
An inspector for foreclosures will save you from losing your investment or purchase money in an overpriced foreclosure property that needs costly repairs.
Oftentimes home buyers are excited by the lower prices of foreclosure homes, making them sign a purchase contract immediately without putting in a house-inspection contingency clause or buy at a foreclosure auction without seeing the interiors of the house.
Some homebuyers also visit foreclosure houses and get attracted by the finishes or designs of the house without examining the more important features of a house such as the structure and foundation.
According to many house inspectors, they have inspected a lot of foreclosure properties and many of these need costly repairs. They said that some defects are not immediately apparent and that homebuyers discover them only when they have already bought the house and have moved in.
Several of these defects, they said, are intentional damages made by previous occupants who were probably angry at their lenders for foreclosing on them without giving them any chance of saving their homes.
Among the defects discovered after move-in are blocked water drainage lines because of poured concrete, dishwashers disconnected from the drain lines, water heaters replaced with old devices and missing plumbing or electrical fixtures.
With these kinds of defects, you really need an inspector for foreclosures because this kind of inspector already knows what to look for. If a good house inspector discovers a major repair expense, such as a roof damaged by hail or plumbing systems and drainage lines blocked by concrete, you can ask the bank to repair it before you buy.
Banks usually approve the repairs of major defects if they do not want to make disclosures that could sharply lower selling prices. Many lenders now however, especially those with large numbers of REOs, usually just cut the prices for foreclosure homes with major defects to get rid of them. They would rather leave repairs to investors in foreclosure properties.
When choosing home inspectors, ask their experiences in the foreclosure sector and choose someone backed with referrals and certification from reputable individuals and associations.
Lastly, choose an inspector for foreclosures who has a background in home building or repair contracting. Since he knows the home building process, he can perform a more thorough foreclosure home inspection.
Oftentimes home buyers are excited by the lower prices of foreclosure homes, making them sign a purchase contract immediately without putting in a house-inspection contingency clause or buy at a foreclosure auction without seeing the interiors of the house.
Some homebuyers also visit foreclosure houses and get attracted by the finishes or designs of the house without examining the more important features of a house such as the structure and foundation.
According to many house inspectors, they have inspected a lot of foreclosure properties and many of these need costly repairs. They said that some defects are not immediately apparent and that homebuyers discover them only when they have already bought the house and have moved in.
Several of these defects, they said, are intentional damages made by previous occupants who were probably angry at their lenders for foreclosing on them without giving them any chance of saving their homes.
Among the defects discovered after move-in are blocked water drainage lines because of poured concrete, dishwashers disconnected from the drain lines, water heaters replaced with old devices and missing plumbing or electrical fixtures.
With these kinds of defects, you really need an inspector for foreclosures because this kind of inspector already knows what to look for. If a good house inspector discovers a major repair expense, such as a roof damaged by hail or plumbing systems and drainage lines blocked by concrete, you can ask the bank to repair it before you buy.
Banks usually approve the repairs of major defects if they do not want to make disclosures that could sharply lower selling prices. Many lenders now however, especially those with large numbers of REOs, usually just cut the prices for foreclosure homes with major defects to get rid of them. They would rather leave repairs to investors in foreclosure properties.
When choosing home inspectors, ask their experiences in the foreclosure sector and choose someone backed with referrals and certification from reputable individuals and associations.
Lastly, choose an inspector for foreclosures who has a background in home building or repair contracting. Since he knows the home building process, he can perform a more thorough foreclosure home inspection.
Good American Home Inspectors Follow Codes
If you are a homeowner or a real estate broker planning to hire a home inspector, look for American home inspectors who follow codes of conduct designed by national home inspection organizations.
It is also good if you first read about what are expected from house inspectors so you would know what to expect and you would know what to ask inspectors if you think they are missing something during the inspection.
A home inspection is a visual non-invasive examination of a house to determine the defects in the parts, structures, systems and components of the house. The house inspector will inspect only what is apparent and what is visible. He is not expected to inspect what he cannot access.
A defect is a condition in a part or parts of the house that reduces the value of the house or that puts the residents at risk or that reduces the capabilities and functions of some systems of the house.
In a standard home inspection report, you can see the parts or systems of the house that should be examined by the house inspector. Included are the roof, exteriors, basement, crawlspace, foundation, attic, doors, windows, interiors and fireplace and housing systems such as cooling, heating, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and insulation.
It is often assumed that the house inspector is professionally or legally bound to examine all the parts and systems of a house, but there are limitations to house inspection. There are situations where house inspectors cannot perform their examination such as lack of access or prohibition due to lack of professional jurisdiction.
Among the things that the house inspector is not expected to examine are the life expectancy of a housing system, the cause of a defect, the condition of a part that is not visible or accessible and compliance of systems to certain regulations.
The house inspector is also legally bound to examine the presence of lead-based paint, asbestos, mildew, rodents, molds, fungus, and other hazardous materials. They are also prohibited to move personal belongings or dismantle any system to be able to access a place to be inspected.
In multifamily housing complexes, house inspectors are also not allowed to inspect common areas and systems, such as intercom systems, law irrigation equipment and security devices.
Now that you know what house inspectors are expected to do and not do, you can make preparations and take actions so you can choose the best type of house inspectors that you need.
It is also good if you first read about what are expected from house inspectors so you would know what to expect and you would know what to ask inspectors if you think they are missing something during the inspection.
A home inspection is a visual non-invasive examination of a house to determine the defects in the parts, structures, systems and components of the house. The house inspector will inspect only what is apparent and what is visible. He is not expected to inspect what he cannot access.
A defect is a condition in a part or parts of the house that reduces the value of the house or that puts the residents at risk or that reduces the capabilities and functions of some systems of the house.
In a standard home inspection report, you can see the parts or systems of the house that should be examined by the house inspector. Included are the roof, exteriors, basement, crawlspace, foundation, attic, doors, windows, interiors and fireplace and housing systems such as cooling, heating, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and insulation.
It is often assumed that the house inspector is professionally or legally bound to examine all the parts and systems of a house, but there are limitations to house inspection. There are situations where house inspectors cannot perform their examination such as lack of access or prohibition due to lack of professional jurisdiction.
Among the things that the house inspector is not expected to examine are the life expectancy of a housing system, the cause of a defect, the condition of a part that is not visible or accessible and compliance of systems to certain regulations.
The house inspector is also legally bound to examine the presence of lead-based paint, asbestos, mildew, rodents, molds, fungus, and other hazardous materials. They are also prohibited to move personal belongings or dismantle any system to be able to access a place to be inspected.
In multifamily housing complexes, house inspectors are also not allowed to inspect common areas and systems, such as intercom systems, law irrigation equipment and security devices.
Now that you know what house inspectors are expected to do and not do, you can make preparations and take actions so you can choose the best type of house inspectors that you need.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Acing the Home Inspection Process
When you are going to sell your house, do not get complacent just because your house bares well. You may actually have problems beneath it all. Familiarize yourself with these four problems and repair these before attempting to sell the house in order to pass the home inspection process.
Structural damages
Obvious signs of house problems are a slumping roof, cracks in walls or foundations, and uneven floors. Even though these are several conditions that are costly to mend, it is worth it to fix those that only need cosmetic repairs. For roof damages, be sure that your downspouts and gutters are cleaned since these will be checked by the home inspector. He will also find out the situation of the roofing material, regardless if there is no indication of trouble, like water stains. The flashing surrounding the chimney, bricks and mortar will be checked as well for leaks. Have it fixed if you know you have a problem with the flashing.
Plumbing and utilities check
If you have old pipes, you can install new fixtures to divert attention from your old plumbing. Home inspectors check for corroded pipes through examining the water pressure and will try out appliances like the washing machine and dishwashers. For your electrical system, be sure that all sockets are working. The circuit breakers, electrical panels and wiring must all meet existing code standards. Upgrade to a 200-amp service if you do not have one. Also, do not forget to check that your air-conditioning and heating systems are all in working order.
Odor and leaks
If your house smells strange, feels damp, or has mold or mildew, check if there is too much moisture in your basement. Has the floor joists, foundation or rafters been damaged by drainage problems? If the culprit is merely poor ventilation, then you just need a humidifier. Leaky windows and doors need weather stripping, so be sure to fix it before several leaks trigger damage which may be more difficult to fix.
Environmental anxieties
If you think you may have environmental contaminants, it is a good idea to shoulder your own house inspection even before a potential buyer plans for one. A specialized inspection might be needed, for example, if there is suspicion of radon gas present in your house. Look out for lead-based paint, lead or other pollutants in the water, and asbestos.
In case you have concerns about the present condition of your house, it might be a good idea to organize your own home inspection first before selling it to a buyer. Fixing any flaws will hasten a sale and increase your price. Potential buyers must be informed of any defects that you decide not to fix. Usually, the inspection of buyers only request for minor repairs.
Structural damages
Obvious signs of house problems are a slumping roof, cracks in walls or foundations, and uneven floors. Even though these are several conditions that are costly to mend, it is worth it to fix those that only need cosmetic repairs. For roof damages, be sure that your downspouts and gutters are cleaned since these will be checked by the home inspector. He will also find out the situation of the roofing material, regardless if there is no indication of trouble, like water stains. The flashing surrounding the chimney, bricks and mortar will be checked as well for leaks. Have it fixed if you know you have a problem with the flashing.
Plumbing and utilities check
If you have old pipes, you can install new fixtures to divert attention from your old plumbing. Home inspectors check for corroded pipes through examining the water pressure and will try out appliances like the washing machine and dishwashers. For your electrical system, be sure that all sockets are working. The circuit breakers, electrical panels and wiring must all meet existing code standards. Upgrade to a 200-amp service if you do not have one. Also, do not forget to check that your air-conditioning and heating systems are all in working order.
Odor and leaks
If your house smells strange, feels damp, or has mold or mildew, check if there is too much moisture in your basement. Has the floor joists, foundation or rafters been damaged by drainage problems? If the culprit is merely poor ventilation, then you just need a humidifier. Leaky windows and doors need weather stripping, so be sure to fix it before several leaks trigger damage which may be more difficult to fix.
Environmental anxieties
If you think you may have environmental contaminants, it is a good idea to shoulder your own house inspection even before a potential buyer plans for one. A specialized inspection might be needed, for example, if there is suspicion of radon gas present in your house. Look out for lead-based paint, lead or other pollutants in the water, and asbestos.
In case you have concerns about the present condition of your house, it might be a good idea to organize your own home inspection first before selling it to a buyer. Fixing any flaws will hasten a sale and increase your price. Potential buyers must be informed of any defects that you decide not to fix. Usually, the inspection of buyers only request for minor repairs.
Why a Home Inspection Is Absolutely Essential
The service of a home inspection professional is absolutely necessary for potential buyers of real property. If you think you can do this job on your own, you are mistaken. Keep in mind that sellers might cover up flaws just so they can close a deal. It takes specialized knowledge to detect structural flaws and to determine problems which may possibly arise.
The Risks and Why You Need It
Buying property involves shelling out thousands of dollars of your valuable money. It is a long term investment and it is a sale that requires careful thought and consideration. It is inevitable that the inexperienced and untrained eye will fail to see the numerous potential hazards that can arise. Possible flaws include structural weaknesses, hazardous wiring, chemical leaks, and roof, plumbing and electrical problems. These are very real dangers to you and your family’s health and safety.
If you make the error of buying a faulty house, you will be forced to spend a ton on home repairs, not to mention all the hassle and inconvenience you would have to go through. In the long run, conducting a thorough inspection will undeniably save you money and spare you such a costly mistake.
But more than the money saved, the most important benefit would be the assurance of a safe home to live in. Chemical, fire, and biological hazards are life threatening and dangerous to you and your family, yet these are very difficult to spot. Thus it is well worth the money to get a professional home inspection.
The Main Thing
A lot of things could go wrong with buying a house, seeing as you and the seller has conflicting interests. It is in the interest of the seller to get the house appraised at the highest value possible, and to achieve this they may leave buyers in the dark about serious problems the house may suffer from. It is rare to find a perfect, spotless house. Even brand new houses may have hidden defects.
The Risks and Why You Need It
Buying property involves shelling out thousands of dollars of your valuable money. It is a long term investment and it is a sale that requires careful thought and consideration. It is inevitable that the inexperienced and untrained eye will fail to see the numerous potential hazards that can arise. Possible flaws include structural weaknesses, hazardous wiring, chemical leaks, and roof, plumbing and electrical problems. These are very real dangers to you and your family’s health and safety.
If you make the error of buying a faulty house, you will be forced to spend a ton on home repairs, not to mention all the hassle and inconvenience you would have to go through. In the long run, conducting a thorough inspection will undeniably save you money and spare you such a costly mistake.
But more than the money saved, the most important benefit would be the assurance of a safe home to live in. Chemical, fire, and biological hazards are life threatening and dangerous to you and your family, yet these are very difficult to spot. Thus it is well worth the money to get a professional home inspection.
The Main Thing
A lot of things could go wrong with buying a house, seeing as you and the seller has conflicting interests. It is in the interest of the seller to get the house appraised at the highest value possible, and to achieve this they may leave buyers in the dark about serious problems the house may suffer from. It is rare to find a perfect, spotless house. Even brand new houses may have hidden defects.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
