Do I Really Need A Home Inspection?

It’s exciting to buy a home. We get it.

But,

You need to do more before you can get there. Seven inspections will give you all the information you need before making that house yours .

You probably know that you need a home inspection by someone qualified at building inspections. But, it’s not enough. If you don’t want to end in a money pit, or worse, a house that could be fatally dangerous, you need to dig deeper.

Wait…

A house that could cause you death?

You could be in danger if you do not have this inspection (which we’ll discuss in a moment).

Yep! This is some serious stuff.

Let’s get down to it. By the end, you will be able to identify which home inspections are necessary and why. You also know the type of inspection that could save you your life.

Seven Home Inspections That You Must Never Forget

These are seven home inspections that you shouldn’t skip. They include an important inspection to protect your family , and which is the most vital. It can save lives. You don’t have to inspect homes older than they are. I recommend that inspections be done on both new and renovated homes.

Home inspection

Law requires that all home inspectors must be licensed. Home inspector in lakeland fl are usually certified by state-run agencies. Home inspectors are often members of nationally recognized organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Okay, so now let’s get to the point. Let’s discuss home inspections: what they cover and how much they cost.

A home inspection covers all the major components of a house, such as the roof, wiring, plumbing and other electrical counterparts, as well any structural issues that might be a problem. You might need to repair your heating system. This is something you won’t know until the inspection is completed. To ensure your HVAC system’s efficiency, you must keep an eye on it. Find out how to maintain your HVAC system.

The home inspector will then write a detailed report. This will include all of his/her findings. He/she will also make recommendations and suggestions about what repairs/replacements will be necessary to bring your home up to current codes. Sometimes, he/she will also give you information about the expected life expectancy for each major component. It is a good idea to ask the inspector for the component life expectancies in advance. This will allow you to include the information on your home inspection report.

A home inspection report typically costs between $400 and $700 depending on the house’s size.

Termite Inspection

The termite inspection can also be called a wood boring inspection or destroying insect inspection. Contact a local pest control firm to conduct a termite examination. Your agent may also be able provide the name and contact information for a reliable termite service.

The termite company will inspect your home and property for termites and other wood boring bugs. The inspector will inspect the property for termite damage, structural damage, and any other indications that there are active termites or termite damage. The pest control company will then provide a Wood Destroying Organism report. Many people wonder if chemicals can be used to kill bed bugs or eggs. Check out this link if you are asking the same question.

If required, a quote for pest control will be provided. Most pest control companies provide a guarantee for their termite treatment. The pest control company will return to your home free of charge if termite activity occurs again within the warranty period.

A termite inspection costs usually between $50 and $100. However, it will vary depending on the extent of the infestation. This could mean that it could cost more.

Lead-based Paint Inspection

1978 saw the end of lead-based paints in housing. The deterioration of lead paint in homes built before 1978 is the problem.

An inspector or risk assessor must perform a lead-based paint inspection. A lead-based inspection will identify any potential lead sources and determine whether lead is present in your home. You will be informed about the presence of lead, its severity, whereabouts, and possible ways to reduce it.

A typical lead-based paint inspection in a three-bedroom, two bathroom home will cost between $350-$450.

Septic System Inspection

Although septic systems can be a great way to save money on your monthly utility bills, it is important that you inspect the tank and the system before you purchase a home.

The part of the system that allows solids to settle is called the septic tank. Next, a drain field (also known as a leachfield) is a subsurface wastewater disposal network that removes contaminants and other impurities after the liquid has passed through anaerobic digestion.

The simple dye test checks if the drain field works properly. A buyer should have the tank pumped and visually checked to see if it works properly. This will usually cost about $700.

A basic septic system inspection should cost between $200 and $ 500. Remember that a drain field replacement can cost between $2,500 and $10,000. Therefore, it might be worth spending more upfront to get the peace of mind that comes with knowing.

Inspection of the Well Water System

Another great way to save money is to have a water well system rather than having to pay for water in the city. You should inspect a well before buying a house.

The well water inspection checks the water for potability, ensuring it is safe to drink. The water will be tested for hardness to determine if heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium or lead are present. If there are any signs of an oil tank leaking, potentially contaminating the water’s well, it should be tested for Volatile Organic Compounds. A state-certified laboratory should test the well for common bacteria, such as E.coli, if there are septic tanks or farms nearby.

A well water inspection typically costs between $300 and $500. The inspection involves analyzing water samples and testing it for code compliance. It also includes recommendations about how to maintain and upkeep the entire well system.

Mold Inspection

Another important step when buying a house is the mold inspection. Your new home could have mold, even though you aren’t able to see it. Why? Mold is a fungus which is often black, white or green and can cause serious illness. Mold can grow in walls, under floors, ceilings, basements, attics, and between the walls. Mold is most likely to grow in damp, wet or water-soaked environments. Mold can also grow in dry environments.

If you are looking to buy a house, you must do a thorough inspection. Mold could be found in a house if it has a musty or mildew-like odor or recent looking stains.

Modern homes are often built with synthetic stucco. This product is also known as the Exterior Insulation and Finish System. The EIFS is an airtight barrier that improves insulation in a home. It can allow water to penetrate the walls if it isn’t installed correctly. This is another reason why a mold inspection is important, regardless of how old the house is.

Florida does not require sellers to give buyers a Seller’s property Disclosure Form. However, Florida requires sellers to disclose any major property defects that aren’t readily visible to the buyer. If possible, buyers should inspect the home before they buy it for mold.

Do you really want to buy a house with mold problems? It all depends. You may have asthma if you have a child or a family member who has it. If there is an elderly person in the house, then you might not. You will need to consider the cost of mold removal before deciding if the house is worth the money. If you have an inspection clause in your contract, you can ask the seller for a reduction in the sale price to cover the cost of repairs necessary to fix the mold problem. If the seller refuses either to lower the price or to pay for the removal of mold, you may have to walk away to find a better home.

Radon Gas Inspection

Last but not least, the inspection for radon gas. This inspection could save your life. Why? Why? The number one cause of lung cancer is radon gas. Radon is caused naturally by the breakdown of uranium within soil, rocks, or water. Radon can be found outdoors in small amounts. Radon gas can also be found in soil and water supplies. It can also cause serious health problems if it is present in high amounts.

Either you hire a professional to test your home for radon or you can do it yourself using a kit available at your local hardware shop. The test will be performed by placing the kit in your home for the required time. After that, you can mail it to the lab and wait for results.

The most common way to get rid of this gas is to install a fan and vent pipe system. The vent system will draw the radon from under your home and exhaust it to the outdoors. The EPA states that you will only need to address the problem if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter or higher.

However, when you buy a new home, ask the builder whether radon-resistant features were used and if the home has been tested.

A professional radon inspection costs between $150 and $750. The average cost is $300 to $450. The cost of professional radon inspections will vary depending on the location and size of your house.

A home radon test kit costs between $10 and $30 per unit. To include your home’s layout and level of radon, you might consider purchasing multiple kits.

You can also have radon testing included in your home inspection. This will usually add between $90 to $250 to the cost of your home inspection.

How to deal with home inspection issues with the seller

One or more home inspections are uncommon to uncover something unfavorable. There are many ways that you can address those issues with the seller. It is best to have an expert buyer’s agent by your side to negotiate any issues that might arise.

• Request a credit from the seller to cover the issue.
• Request the seller to make the repairs before closing.
• The house can be purchased as-is.
• You can also walk away from the deal as a last resort.

Remember to pay for repairs on your new home only after closing it. It’s not uncommon for sales to fail. Therefore, it is best to wait until your home is owned before doing any repairs.

It is also important to remember that if you purchase a home As Is, the effective price is the contract price, plus any necessary repairs. Sometimes, the cost of repairs can be included in your new mortgage. This is possible with an FHA203(k) loan.