HOME INSPECTIONS

Do you plan on purchasing a new home, or do you already own your own home and plan on making some renovations or putting it on the market? Either way, having a home inspection done can save you money. Home inspectors check every facet of a home to keep you safe. A home inspection usually takes just a few hours. The home inspector will check everything that is or could become a safety issue. They will check for mold in the basement, make sure the utilities are safe and that the foundation is strong. They will also walk through the home looking at walls, ceilings, floors, outlets and any other visible surface. The exterior and roof of the home will also be examined to make sure there is nothing that could go wrong. The home inspector will also check the immediate area around the home for harmful insects, such as termites and carpenter ants.

A home inspection can save you thousands of dollars because an inspector can identify a problem with a home you plan on purchasing or that you already own before it turns into a nightmare. If you plan on purchasing a home and any problems or safety issues are found during the inspection, you can generally negotiate those issues to be addressed before making the final purchase. If the home is your own, it is better to identify a problem, such as a few shingles that need to be replaced, rather than waiting until there is a leak and mold growing due to the water now in your house.

Additionally, if you plan on putting your home on the market, being able to provide potential buyers with a copy of a recent inspection will give them confidence and peace of mind when it comes to making the decision to buy. Whether buying or selling, no one but a certified home inspector is qualified to inspect a house properly. Inspectors are properly trained to see things an average Joe is not. If you do it yourself, you may miss a big hazard, like mold or termites, which could put you and your family at risk, and cost you a lot of money. That being said, there are a couple of things that one should look for when hiring a home inspector. First off, make sure that you find an accredited home inspector with a license from the proper state. Also, check the companys background and references to ensure that they are a legitimate business with a good reputation of providing quality home inspections. Overall, though it may cost you a little bit initially, the peace of mind a home inspection will bring you is worth the money.
 

CONDO INSPECTIONS

Buying a condo is becoming an attractive option to a large demographic of people. Owning a condo offers many advantages over renting a similar property, and it is also easier than owning a traditional home. However, the condo title provides no reason to forego having a professional condo inspection performed. Like a home inspector, a condo inspector is an integral part of ensuring your investment is sound. Having a condo inspection done prior to closing has the potential to save you a lot of money in the long run.

Condo inspectors are trained to find problems with community areas, such as the roof, stairwells, and outer structure of the building. The inspector will also make sure that elements such as air conditioners and plumbing are in proper working order. Condo inspectors are specially trained to find flaws in areas of a condo that you may overlook. They will look at pipes, wiring, furnaces, water heaters, and the overall aesthetic of the property. Because most of us are not trained in these specialties, it is important to have a qualified inspector look at the condo to spot these problems. Also, if problems are found before you close on the property, you may be able to negotiate for a lower price and to fix the issues prior to moving into your new condo. You may also request that the current owner fix the problems before closing.

A proper inspection of a condo will only take an hour or two, and these couple of hours could mean thousands of dollars in the long run. Depending on what you are looking for in a condo inspector, you may want to look for an individual with a variety of certifications. You will want to ensure that your condo inspector is licensed to perform inspections in the state in which you reside. The condo inspector may also be certified to use infrared technology to detect problems behind the walls; may be certified to detect mold in the residence; and may be certified to detect pests and to apply pesticides. In other words, you can shop around to find a condo inspector who has the certifications and expertise that meets your criteria. You can also visit organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) to find a licensed, experienced condo inspector in your area. Buying or selling a condo is exciting, but it can also be scary and confusing. By having your condo professionally inspected, you can eliminate many of the concerns you may have about a potential property. Buying a piece of property is typically one of the biggest investments we make in our lives, and the decision deserves to be backed up by a professional home inspector.