Because most homes are sold in as-is condition, it is up to the buyer to investigate the condition of the home by having a home inspection.
1. Negotiate a home inspection contingency in your purchase contract. A week to 14 days is standard.
2. Hire a certified home inspector to do a home inspection for you. Your real estate agent can recommend someone he or she trusts.
3. Review the written home inspection report carefully and ask the home inspector any questions you may have.
4. Get three estimates from licensed contractors regarding any home system repairs that are needed. Obtain a referral from your agent, a friend or a family member. Ask for the contractor's references.
5. Having information about the condition of the home is important for making the right investment decision.
Showing posts with label home inspection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home inspection. Show all posts
Monday, February 6, 2012
Why do I need a home inspection?
Monday, January 9, 2012
Face Lift
http://affordablehomeinspections.blogspot.com/ has received a face lift today. In today's world if your not keeping up on the leading edge of the technology on the internet you will soon be at the bottom of the barrel.
There are so many media sites that you need to be part of to stay connected in your profession. Internet presence is a full time job and is time consuming.
I hope the appearance is acceptable and look forward to adding post in 2012
Monday, December 20, 2010
Why Wise Buyers Get a Home Inspection
The list of things that can be wrong with a new home is endless, so don't sign on the dotted line until a reputable home inspector gives you the all clear.
The cost of an inspection is nothing compared to your purchase price. It's also nothing compared to what you will pay for unexpected repairs if you don't have a home inspection.
Most houses have defects or need repairs, and many problems can be serious. A home inspection will point out any safety hazards and alert you to major repairs that will be necessary.
A home inspector is a jack-of-all-trades who is familiar with everything from structures and electrical and plumbing systems to insulation, heating and cooling systems, and roofs.
During an inspection, the inspector will make an intensive visual examination of your home, concentrating on areas such as the foundation; exterior walls and roof; attic, basement and garage; electrical, plumbing and heating systems; and the home's interior.
The inspector should then present a written report that details findings and suggests repairs. It's always advisable that you attend the inspection, which may take two to three hours. But don't expect the home inspector to provide cost estimates. Your best bet is to contact two or three contractors.
When looking for a qualified home inspector, don't overlook recommendations from friends or your real estate agent, but be aware that there are other resources to help you.
The NC Licensed Home Inspector Association. (HCLHIA) provides standards of practice and a code of ethics, as well as training courses for potential members. Some states now license home inspectors, but many do not. In states that don't, it's important to establish that the inspector is qualified and is a member in good standing of an organization such as NCLHIA. The Better Business Bureau can also help you.
Remember that the inspection report won't guarantee you're set forever once the suggested repairs are completed. Houses still need regular maintenance and repair, and as the homeowner, that's your job.
The cost of an inspection is nothing compared to your purchase price. It's also nothing compared to what you will pay for unexpected repairs if you don't have a home inspection.
Most houses have defects or need repairs, and many problems can be serious. A home inspection will point out any safety hazards and alert you to major repairs that will be necessary.
A home inspector is a jack-of-all-trades who is familiar with everything from structures and electrical and plumbing systems to insulation, heating and cooling systems, and roofs.
During an inspection, the inspector will make an intensive visual examination of your home, concentrating on areas such as the foundation; exterior walls and roof; attic, basement and garage; electrical, plumbing and heating systems; and the home's interior.
The inspector should then present a written report that details findings and suggests repairs. It's always advisable that you attend the inspection, which may take two to three hours. But don't expect the home inspector to provide cost estimates. Your best bet is to contact two or three contractors.
When looking for a qualified home inspector, don't overlook recommendations from friends or your real estate agent, but be aware that there are other resources to help you.
The NC Licensed Home Inspector Association. (HCLHIA) provides standards of practice and a code of ethics, as well as training courses for potential members. Some states now license home inspectors, but many do not. In states that don't, it's important to establish that the inspector is qualified and is a member in good standing of an organization such as NCLHIA. The Better Business Bureau can also help you.
Remember that the inspection report won't guarantee you're set forever once the suggested repairs are completed. Houses still need regular maintenance and repair, and as the homeowner, that's your job.
Friday, November 12, 2010
How to Sell Your Home Fast in a Troubled Economy
Whether you are relocating, purchasing a new property or simply needing to move ahead, it's sometimes necessary to sell a home fast. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done during a buyer's market.
During the height of the real estate boom homes were selling in weeks, but today much of that has changed. Don't despair, though. There are several steps that you can take to help move your property in troubled times.
Work with an Experienced Agent: A surprising number of people try to sell a home on their own. Most turn to a professional agent after a few months, but the damage is already done. When time matters, go with a pro right from the start. Remember, the agent is acting like a publicity manager for the property.
Tackle Those Tough Jobs: Clear out the clutter and yard debris and then ask your agent for an honest appraisal of the property. Be sure to complete the "honey do" list to avoid competing against foreclosures and other homes with deferred maintenance. Not only will the home show better, but photographs, virtual tours and open house events will generate more interest when the home looks its best.
Invest in an Inspection: For approximately $300 to $500, an inspection might be one of the best investments you make. It demonstrates the condition of the home to prospective buyers and helps ease their minds. If you have access to a recent survey and appraisal, be sure to include those in the information package given to prospective buyers. Affordable Home Inspections can help answer any of your concerns. Contact us today! www.houseinspections.com
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Usefull Tools
We all want great ranking when someone searches for whatever we may be selling. This is hard to accomplish and takes a lot of time. Here is a tool you may already be using that is helpful for determining how your website is performing. http://www.google.com/analytics/
Another great tool to check your ranking is http://www.yourpagerank.info/
The above will help you determine how your site is performing and give you ideas on how to make it better.
Mike
www.houseinspections.com
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Things I find at an Inspection
It's funny some of things I find. I wish I would of started a scrap book years ago. Some people don't understand the importance of a inspection. Things I find could save them thousands. At this link this is just a small sample of items that I just started collecting. I will add to them time to time.
Mike
http://www.houseinspections.com/
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Lost Data
Just recently I lost a hard drive and had to have the data recovered. I just did not back up like I should. On a Forum someone suggest syncbac. I downloaded the free software and it is simple to use and backs up automatically.
http://download.cnet.com/SyncBack-Freeware/3000-2242_4-10413802.html
I just tell it what folders I want to back up and where too. I have a laptop, desktop and two external hard drives. When I change something in that folder it will sync all my devices. It works in the back ground and you never have to worry about backing up again.
This is a must have!
http://download.cnet.com/SyncBack-Freeware/3000-2242_4-10413802.html
I just tell it what folders I want to back up and where too. I have a laptop, desktop and two external hard drives. When I change something in that folder it will sync all my devices. It works in the back ground and you never have to worry about backing up again.
This is a must have!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Septic Systems
One of the most neglected components of a home is the septic system. Most people don't realize that septic systems are not self maintaining and need serviced. A system should be pumped every three to five years depending on your family size. Since 2000 septic systems have a filter that needs to be cleaned every three years, and in my opinion should be cleaned once a year to prevent blockage.
The most common septic system is a gravity flow system. It consist of waste tank, distribute box and effluent drain lines. Depending on the soil, number of bedrooms and topography that will determine the tank size and the number of drain lines and length. Second most common type of system is the above plus a holding tank with a pump. This is usually for pumping the fluids from the holding tank to the distribute box located higher up the grade or to a different location off the property.
The waste tank consist of two compartments divided by a baffle wall. The baffle wall is located across the width of the tank and it extends from the top down and bottom up leaving a slot in the center. This keeps the solids that sink to the bottom and the grease that floats on the top from passing over to the second compartment. The first compartment will hold the solids and fats and oils while it breaks down. Typically the fats oil and grease will stay afloat on the top of the tank and the solids will sink to the bottom. The solids will break down to a certain extent but the grease will not. The effluent in the center of the two will pass through the baffle wall and over into the second chamber compartment for further microbe break down. In the second department there is an outlet pipe with a baffle "T" which also helps keep Solids from leaving the tank and possibly obstructing the drain field lines.
In 2000 they required filters to be installed in the "T" to further help with drain field obstruction. This filter will need pulled out and cleaned periodically to prevent it from being stopped up and backing up your system. In the first compartment of the waste tank the solids will only break down to a certain point. The fats and oils will accumulate on the top and the tank buildup on the top and bottom will give less Retention time for the new waste to break down. Over time the less retention time can cause blockage and possibly field failure.
The two systems mentioned are the most common type and there are numerous types of systems that need maintained on a more frequent basis. Get educated about the type of system you have and you should have many years of trouble free use.
To read more about septic systems and the Dos and Don'ts visit my web site at http://www.houseinspections.com/ and click on the septic link. I am a certified septic inspector issued by the state and would be glad to answer your questions or schedule an appointment.
The most common septic system is a gravity flow system. It consist of waste tank, distribute box and effluent drain lines. Depending on the soil, number of bedrooms and topography that will determine the tank size and the number of drain lines and length. Second most common type of system is the above plus a holding tank with a pump. This is usually for pumping the fluids from the holding tank to the distribute box located higher up the grade or to a different location off the property.
The waste tank consist of two compartments divided by a baffle wall. The baffle wall is located across the width of the tank and it extends from the top down and bottom up leaving a slot in the center. This keeps the solids that sink to the bottom and the grease that floats on the top from passing over to the second compartment. The first compartment will hold the solids and fats and oils while it breaks down. Typically the fats oil and grease will stay afloat on the top of the tank and the solids will sink to the bottom. The solids will break down to a certain extent but the grease will not. The effluent in the center of the two will pass through the baffle wall and over into the second chamber compartment for further microbe break down. In the second department there is an outlet pipe with a baffle "T" which also helps keep Solids from leaving the tank and possibly obstructing the drain field lines.
In 2000 they required filters to be installed in the "T" to further help with drain field obstruction. This filter will need pulled out and cleaned periodically to prevent it from being stopped up and backing up your system. In the first compartment of the waste tank the solids will only break down to a certain point. The fats and oils will accumulate on the top and the tank buildup on the top and bottom will give less Retention time for the new waste to break down. Over time the less retention time can cause blockage and possibly field failure.
The two systems mentioned are the most common type and there are numerous types of systems that need maintained on a more frequent basis. Get educated about the type of system you have and you should have many years of trouble free use.
To read more about septic systems and the Dos and Don'ts visit my web site at http://www.houseinspections.com/ and click on the septic link. I am a certified septic inspector issued by the state and would be glad to answer your questions or schedule an appointment.
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