The Home Inspection
Buyer or Seller may request a home inspection.
A termite inspection is an inspection of a structure for all evidence
of infestation and infection by wood destroying pests and organisms, not just
termites. Other culprits might include dry rot, fungus, wood-boring beetles,
mold and carpenter ants, to name a few.
After the infestation is eliminated, and related damage is repaired, a
licensed pest control contractor can issue a certification stating that
the property is free and clear of active infestation by wood destroying
pests and organisms. This certification is loosely referred to as a termite
clearance.
Buyers who purchase a home using an FHA or VA mortgage -- or a low-down
payment first-time buyer mortgage program -- may be required to provide the
lender with a termite clearance on the home they're buying before the lender
will fund the loan. In this case, the sale can't close without a termite
clearance.
Order a termite inspection of your home before you put your home on the market.
Review the inspection report with your real estate agent to determine what,
if any, work you should complete before marketing your home.
Purpose and Scope of Home Inspections
A standard home inspection is a cursory, visual inspection of the property
components to determine the inspector's opinion of general condition and
operability. Only the visible and readily accessible components are inspected
and reported on. Inspectors typically do not disassemble components, move
furniture to gain access to components, or perform demolition to gain visible
access to components. Deactivated systems are generally not activated by the
inspector. Inspections are not intended to determine compliance with building
codes, zoning laws, etc. Unless specifically contracted for separately, a
standard home inspection does not usually include environmental testing, pest
inspection, measurements, cost estimates for repairs, or inspection of
ancillary items such as window coverings, phone wiring, security systems,
landscaping, sprinkler systems, wells and septic systems, swimming pools,
detached buildings, etc.
The home inspection is performed by the inspector exclusively for the client,
typically a buyer with a contract on the property. Frequently the inspection
report is used by the client as a negotiation tool in the sales transaction
process. Most inspectors have their client(s) read and sign an agreement form
describing the "purpose, scope, limitations and conditions" of the inspection,
prior to beginning the inspection
Areas that should be inspected:
In either case, the following areas should be checked:
- foundation- is it solid, does grade of the property allow for drainage away from the house, are there any cracks or other signs of failure
- electrical- adequate for the home and systems (i.e. central air)
- plumbing- adequate water pressure, any leaks or potential problems
- roof- any leaks, (Inspect the attic) potential life expectancy, insulated
- furnace- operating properly, potential life expectancy
- Air Condition system- operating properly, adequatly cooling
- windows- operating properly, provide adequate insulation
Additional inspections may include the following at the option of the buyer or the seller.
Carbon monoxide, radon gas, water quality, lead paint testing and soils test for septic system.
there may be other tests required or desired by the buyer or seller to determine the quality or condition of the property.
BACK
Work with a realtor. Call me at 919-427-8892 for a free consultation if you are not already working with a realtor. This could be the most important call you make.
George Barner
Realtor©
Sincerely,
The Real Estate
Infomation Agent
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