|
When you’ve finally found that perfect Sarasota real estate home that you want to buy, the buying process begins. Part of that process is getting a home inspected to make sure there aren’t any problems with it. Why is this step necessary? It’s not that you don’t believe the seller when they say that their property is up to snuff, you are simply covering your own investment in case there are any problems that even the seller doesn’t know about.
Your realtor will most likely have a list of trustworthy inspectors for you to choose from. If you don’t want to, you don’t have to pick from your realtors list, you can choose any inspector you want. In a major metropolitan area, you’ll have dozens of certified inspectors to choose from. Here is a short list of things your home inspector should search for when they go poking around the home of your dreams.
- The siding used on a Sarasota home can be a potentially large cost down the road. The inspector should check to make sure no siding is in the process of falling off and that it isn’t buckling. Also, the inspector should make sure that there is no rotting or decay, either. Mold loves to hide under siding so keeping it clean and secure is very important.
- The inspector should do a complete check of the home’s foundation. Cracks and fissures in the foundation can lead to serious problems with your home in the future. Water seepage cost home owners big if left untreated over time.
- If the home you’re looking to buy is made of brick, the inspector should check for cracking or crumbling. If found, it could be symptomatic of a much larger problem or even poor craftsmanship that could end up be a reoccurring theme throughout the home.
- To help keep down heating and cooling costs, make sure the inspector double checks the insulation. This is a popular way for home builders to cut costs since the insulation isn’t right out in the open and it can be tough to double check on. But nothing keeps your heating and cooling bills in check better than proper insulation.
- Make sure your inspector checks out all the windows and doors. Proper use of weather stripping can really help to keep costs down. Proper fitting doors and windows show good craftsmanship, while bowed or stuck doors and windows can be a sign of excess moisture in the home which could lead to mold or mildew problems.
- Have the inspector get up on the roof for a good look-see. There should never be things like small pools of water or any chipped, cracked or broken shingles. Obviously leaks are to be reported, as well as any signs of wear and tear. A leaky roof can turn a dream home into a nightmare with repair and diagnosis costs.
- A look at the ceilings can show if there are any drywall problems in the home, as well as any leaks in the roof. Not only should they be straight and level, but also clean and without any signs of water dripage or damage.
- While it may be impossible to do a complete electrical check on a home, a quick count of outlets per room as well as any flickering lights or strange sounds can be a good window on a top-flight electrical system.
- Proper plumbing can be the backbone of a good home. Any possible leaks can turn into a huge, expensive mess to fix. You not only have to fix the problem, but finding the leak can be even harder. Your inspector should be trained to zero in on any possible signs of leaks so that you know what you’re getting into before you buy.
- If the home you’re buying has a basement, check for leaks and for musty smells that could be a sign of mildew problems.
Having a good, trustworthy home inspector can make a big difference come move in day. Knowing that the house you just bought is solid, well-built and safe for your family gives you peace of mind that is worth more than money.
GBrey |
