Why should  you do a home inspection of your potential new home or condo. The answer is to uncover the major problems or unsafe conditions that may exist in your new home.  Purchasing a new or used home or condo is a big purchase and you should have someone inspect your home that is unbiased as to its condition.

 

 

When selecting a home inspector consider the following.

 

 

 

You typically have 7-14 days to complete all of your home inspections. Ask what type of report is to be giving after the inspection. There are narrative and check list type of reports. The narrative reports are more detailed. A check list report is a report that will say if the roof is ok but may not include details as to the condition of the roof. A narrative type of report can include the age or other important information such as if the roof shingles are curling. The additional information can indicate that the roof may need replacement soon. Ask if photos of defects in the home are included in the report. The inclusion of photos will make both the seller and the buyer better understand the areas of concern in the home.

 

A home inspection can take 1-3 hours for a typical home and depends on the age, size, and condition of the home. A home inspection is a visual inspection of readily accessible areas of the home. Here is an example of an area of a home that can not be inspected due to hazard to the home inspector. If there is water on floor in front of the electrical box then it is unsafe to open the electrical box panel while standing in the water. This condition is both a safety hazard to the inspector and a hazard to the person living in the home. It is recommended that you, the buyer, be present at the time of the inspection as you can glean much information about your home including how to maintain your new home.

 

A thorough inspector will also comment on approximate age of the major components and the average life you can expect from that component or system. The major components that approximate age should be determined are the roof, heating system, hot water heater, and air conditioner compressor. 

 

An example would be a heating system that is 5-10 years old and that typical life expectancy of this type of heating system is 20-25. This information helps the buyer budget to replace the heating system when needed.   A thorough home inspector will also explain the various systems in your home, and how to maintain them.

 

Maintenance of your home includes cleaning out gutters twice annually or when debris collects in the gutters. An oil fired heating system and gas heating system needs to be serviced and cleaned annually. Have a certified technician drain a few gallons from the hot water heater annually to remove sediment that can collect at the bottom of the tank.  

 

Be sure to have your air conditioner inspected in the springtime before use. If you are buying a home with central air during the winter time the air conditioner can not be inspected. Arrange to have the air conditioner inspected at a later date when weather permits.  Sometimes it is too hot to test a heating in the summer. Consult with your real estate agent and attorney about testing or running the heating system or air conditioner if the conditions do not allow testing of these systems. Refer to the state regulations for items that must be inspected by your home inspector www.ct.gov/dcp/lib/dcp/oplawsreg/hi_regulation_eff_07-30-02.doc

Other inspections or tests you may want to consider are wood destroying insect inspections, radon in air, water testing, mold, and infrared inspections. Go to www.firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com for a list and definition of additional test – also be sure to consult with your Realtor or Home Inspector.

 

If you are buying a new home have the home inspected a few months before the end of your one year warranty. This will document any problems so that the builder can make any needed repairs.

 

When you move into a new home with used appliances you do not know how long these appliances will last. There are home buyer warranties that can repair or replace none working appliances. Disadvantages are that if you have newer appliances then you probably don’t need the warranty but for older appliances the warranty can give piece of mind.

 

 

 

 Helpful Websites

Ø www.ashi.org American Society of Home Inspectors

Ø www.nachi.org National Association of Certified Home Inspectors

Ø www.nahi.org National Association of Home Inspectors

Ø www.epa.gov   Environmental Protection Agency

Ø www.dep.state.ct.us Department of Environmental Protection

Ø www.ct-clic.com Connecticut main web site

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This information provided is for reference only. Recommend consult with your real estate attorney, Realtor, and the state DEP for detailed information.