Home inspections are a standard practice when buying a home. No one wants to make the biggest purchase of their lives, only to discover a weak foundation, shoddy electricity and plumbing that will cost $10,000 to repair. A good home inspection can protect buyers from major expenses when buying their homes.
What does a typical home inspection include?
Generally, a home inspector will look at:
The Foundation: Is there evidence of settlement and/or seepage in the basement or lowest level of the home? Is the settlement uneven or are there cracks? What is the structural integrity of the home? What is supporting the home?
Heating and Air Conditioning: What is the insulation like in the home? Is there enough heating and air for the home? How do the systems operate and are they operating properly? What can the inspector see in the way of potential problems in these systems?
Electrical: What does your electric system look like? Is it safe? Are there potential hazards? Is everything properly grounded and bonded? Are all the outlets working?
Roof: What’s happening on top of the house? Are there any general maintenance issues you should know about? What type of roof is it? Are there skylights that need repair? Are there places that are leaking?
Your home inspector should also check out your:
- Lot and landscaping
- Plumbing
- Hot water supply
- Chimney and fireplace(s)
- Termite damage/wood damage
- Attic
- Exterior
- Garage
There is a lot of ground for your home inspector to cover, so you want to hire one who will take his time and do a thorough job on your behalf. How do you pick a home inspector? Here are some tips:
1. Don’t trust an inspector simply because the inspector has a state license.
2. Look for an inspector who is associated with a professional inspection organization such as the National Institute of Building Inspectors, the National Association of Home Inspectors or the American Association of Home Inspectors.
3. Don’t only take your agent’s recommendation; ask for three recommendations and then really grill the inspectors.
A home inspection is one of the most important things you can do to make your home purchase a good one. Don’t skip this step!
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Published by Universal Lending Home Loans
Universal Lending Corporation was founded nearly 40 years ago on the principle that our customers deserve individual and specialized attention throughout the mortgage process. We embrace our passion for customer care, and educate and empower each potential home buyer throughout the entire process, so they make informed, considerate decisions that ensure their home mortgages fit their budgets and keep their families financially secure.
NMLS #2996
Equal Housing Opportunity
6775 E Evans Ave., Denver, CO 80224
(800) 758-4063, Colorado Responsible Party, Colorado Mortgage Company Registration; Arizona Mortgage Banker License #0927881; Florida Mortgage Lender Servicer License #MLD989; Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee #MB.6760981; Iowa Mortgage Banker License #2006-0305; Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company Kansas Mortgage Company License #MC.0025137; Michigan 1st Mortgage Broker/Lender/Servicer Registrant #FR0019350; Michigan 2nd Mortgage Broker/Lender/Servicer Registrant #SR019351; Minnesota Residential Mortgage Originator License #MN-MO-2996; Montana Mortgage Lender License #2996; Montana Mortgage Broker License #2996; Montana Mortgage Service License #2996; Nebraska Mortgage Banker License #46; New Mexico Mortgage Loan Company License; North Dakota Money Broker License #MB102363; Texas - SML Mortgage Banker Registration; Utah-DRE Mortgage Entity License #7384716; Washington Consumer Loan Company License #CL-2996; Wisconsin Mortgage Banker License #2996BA; Wyoming Mortgage Lender/Broker License #582.
TEXAS MORTGAGE BANKER COMPLAINT NOTICE
CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE BANKER OR A LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550.
THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEB SITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV.
View all posts by Universal Lending Home Loans
