If you are thinking about buying a home, you will naturally need to make certain that it's in good shape. The only way to do this properly is to have the house inspected by a professional building inspector. He or she will be able to catch problems that the average person would miss. Here are four key considerations to keep in mind regarding the home inspection process.
Go Along
It's always a good idea to accompany the inspector as they check out the house. In many cases, the inspector will be glad that you cared enough about the inspection to tag along. When you accompany an inspector, it gives them a chance to point out any flaws or potential trouble spots they find. It also offers you the opportunity to ask questions about any issues and gives you a better understanding of the home's condition than you would get from simply reading a written report.
Utilities
Some home buyers may not realize that it's absolutely vital that the utilities are turned on during the inspection. If they aren't, then certain issues, such as problems with the electrical wiring or whether the water pressure is adequate, might not be caught. Usually, it's the seller's responsibility to ensure that the utilities are turned on. This is not always true, however. If you are buying a foreclosure or a house that has been abandoned, then you might be responsible for seeing the utilities are working when the inspection occurs.
Licensing
Some states require that home inspectors be licensed, while others do not. If you live in a state with licensing requirements, then any approved inspector should perform the job well. If you live in a state with no licensing requirements, then finding a qualified home inspector might be a little more difficult. In these states, it's a good idea to only hire inspectors who have been certified by one of the leading trade association, such as the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI).
New House
Don't make the mistake of thinking that an inspection is not necessary because you are purchasing a home that was built recently. It always possible for a new home to have problems, so make certain to inspect any home you plan to buy, regardless of when it was constructed.
Home inspections are an essential part of purchasing any house. To make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible, follow the top tips listed above. For more information, consider investigating websites like http://www.homeinspectionassoc-ma.com.
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