Home Inspection Tips
Passing Your Home Inspection
Plumbing Problems
Fix leaks and clogs long before the home inspection takes place. The
inspector will check water pressure by turning on multiple faucets
and flushing toilets at the same time. Appliances such as dishwashers
and clothes washers will be tested, too. Leaks and clogs will be apparent
during these checks.
The home inspector might check the septic system. During one method
dyes are flushed down a stool. The inspector waits to see if the dye
surfaces on the drainfield, indicating a drainage problem.
Inadequate or Inferior Electrical Systems
The electrical panel and circuit breaker configuration should be
adequate for the needs of the house. A 125 amp electrical panel
works for most homes. Individual circuits should not be overloaded.
The inspector will look for receptacles with ground fault circuit
interrupters (GFI) in bathrooms and kitchens. These receptacles
have little test-reset buttons on them. The home inspector will
likely make sure the receptacles are what they appear to be, and
not "dummies" that aren't wired to work.
Some of the grounded receptacles (with 3-pronged plugs) will be
checked too.
Other Systems
The inspector will check the heating and cooling systems, making
sure they work and commenting about their efficiency. The inspector
will take a close look at the structure and foundation. All appliances
will be checked. The inspection report will include details about
smoke detectors.
Before the Inspection
Do everything you can to get the house in good condition before
you attempt to sell it, but don't be discouraged if the inspection
report contains negative statements. Home inspectors make note of
everything they see. No home is perfect.
Remember that the home inspection report is not a wish-list for
buyers. Read your contract carefully--it probably states which systems
should be in good working order at closing. For instance, if the
roof is older, but doesn't leak, it is in good working order. If
there's a leak, and fixing just the leak is possible, the roof will
be in good working order.
Your contract may also state that you are under no obligation to
make any repairs at all--although the buyers can then likely withdraw
from the contract. Don't feel you must comply with unreasonable
demands for repairs.
|