Common Defects Found in Home Inspections

The home buying process is a lengthy one, and ordering a professional home inspection can save you valuable time and money. For buyers, it can prove to be an inexpensive way to determine if your intended purchase is indeed the right home for you. For sellers, getting an inspection BEFORE your home is marketed will provide an opportunity to discover and repair major items now, avoiding a buyer's impression that your home is really not well maintained. It will also give you an advantage at the negotiating table. In case you’re not convinced, I’ve compiled a quick list of some serious home defects that can be found during a home inspection:

Worn Roof - Sometimes an additional layer of shingles will work nicely, and sometimes the roof needs to be stripped to the decking. A licensed roofing contractor should provide guidance and estimates to sellers and buyers when negotiating repairs.
Termite Infestation - If extensive, a buyer will probably ask for a structural report, which usually costs from $150 - 250. Cost of treatment varies, depending on size and type of structure. Sellers should disclose home has been treated for termites and what repairs were done on the seller’s residential disclosure if this is the case. Termites aren't the only culprits that can destroy wood - there are powder post beetles and other insects, not to mention mold & lichen that can seriously damage a home's structural integrity.
Outdated Wiring - In Indiana, your home is “up to code” as long as it meets the code that was in force at the time the home was originally built. If you have paid to have the electricity updated, keep those receipts handy. Representation is the key. For instance, if a home’s outlets have three prong plugs everywhere, the buyer has the right to expect those outlets to be grounded. If those outlets are not grounded but the seller put three prong plugs on them to accommodate today’s appliances, the buyer has the right to ask for them to all be grounded. Usually, these items are negotiated between buyer and seller after getting an estimate from a licensed electrician.
Water Damage - Buyers are afraid of water leaks and the structural damage they can cause. Sellers should have a professional evaluation of the cause and estimate (or invoice, if repairs have already been made) for the correction of the problem available for the buyer to consider, preferably by a licensed contractor.

Protecting your investment, especially one as special as a new home, is crucial. An expert home inspection is often the most important step in securing that protection. More tips on home buying are available on my website. If you’d like to talk more about home inspections or any of your real estate questions, please call.

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