Private Inspection


Private Home Inspections	When you make an offer on a home, it's a good idea to make your offer contingent on a home inspection, conducted by an independent licensed inspector. You will have to pay for this inspection yourself, but it could keep you from buying a house that will cost you far more in repairs, down the road. If you are satisfied with the results of the inspection, then your offer can proceed. If you aren't satisfied, then you may want to withdraw your offer, re-negotiate, either by asking the seller to pay for certain repairs or asking the seller to lower the sale price. Conducting a Private Home Inspection Always schedule your home inspection during day-light hours. Your REALTOR will need to attend the inspection with you. Expect the private inspection to last between 45 minutes and two hours. Some inspection companies will send two inspectors, one will test systems while the other checks for structural problems. You may want to bring along the following tools A notepad and pens A powerful flashlight to use in basements and crawl spaces A digital camera with a flash A stepladder to look in the attic to check insulation, the underside of the roof A video camera to record the inspection A circuit tester to check the circuits Plan to go through the home completely two times, once during the inspection to familiarize yourself with layout and rooms sizes, and once with the inspectors to go over the findings of the inspection after they are done. You should not bother the inspectors while they are performing the inspection itself as you may distract them and they could miss a major structural problem. Remember to consider the following when you conduct your home inspection so you can effectively evaluate the home. Have the private inspectors check the existing condition of all mechanical systems and equipment. Ask them to note any unusual features that may increase the cost of maintenance or decrease the appeal of the home. Have them note any problems or features that should be checked out by a licensed contractor. Also confirm the quality and condition of the structure and check for evidence of previous routine house cleaning and maintenance items: paint, furnace filters, gutters, caulking in bathrooms, landscaping, floors, appliances, walls, etc. The inspectors should also be able to estimate the costs and identify solutions for any problems uncovered during the consumer home inspection. This maybe very critical for first time buyers, or for buyers with minimal cash available to make repairs. Conducting a private home inspection will help to make sure you can afford to buy your home and maintain it. It will also help home buyers equip themselves with the tools needed to make an educated decisions when buying a home. Besides, it is always better to learn what's ahead of you right now, rather than six months down the road. Back to top	Search \| Contents \| Feedback

We have many new changes are in store for this site over the next few months. We are developing a full menu of services for every type of real estate investor and seller. Be sure to stop back often and feel free to comment on the development of this site and the services. We welcome your recommendations of how we can serve you better.