HOME INSPECTIONS--NEED A TRANSLATOR? 

 

 

 

 

Home Inspections have morphed from a simple one page report  from the local "fix it " guy to a 15 page  "novel-let" that packs a punch of minor to major problems. 

 

There is even a month devoted to it-- National Home Inspection Month.  We need a hallmark card --really. 

  "May your sewer never back up" as a sweet sentiment.  Send it to your grandma. 

 

If you haven't had an inspection lately, there are several things you might want to know:

 

 

  1.  There is a list of qualified inspectors that call themselves ASCHI inspectors ( short for        accredited).    Buyers usually select the inspector so there is no conflict of interest.  As a Seller, the only time you might want to have an inspection prior to marketing  is to ensure there are no problems that you haven't addressed.  And trust me, there are are always little unsuspecting challenges that are waiting to become events. 

 

2.  Inspectors take about three hours because they are very thorough.  You might hear your home has a problem with reversed polarity.    Translation:  polarity is reversed.  Make sure you have a qualified electrician correct it.   

Another common one is Gfci not protected which means the outlets need to have a special mechanism that trips when water and electrical are too close for safety.   

 

3.  There are several labels that used to translate the severity of the safety.  Monitor  means keep a watch on it so that it doesn't become a home remodel while  you are on spring break.  Functioning

could make you assume that it is on it's last leg.  And then , there is always, satisfactory  which translates into  ok today, and probably tomorrow, hope you are lucky. 

4.  A  neat new tool that some inspectors use but costs money in the Bellingham real estate world, is  a laser that detects water penetration in all the walls.  There are some things you really would rather not know... but should.   Before you hire an inspector, ask them if they are qualified to complete this test and find out the cost. 

 

Inspections are a very necessary part of homebuying and Buyers should always have an inspection prior to purchasing.  there is a special addendum that we use that includes the terms of the inspection allwoing a Buyer additional time if an expert is needed for anything that arises as a red flag. 

So do;n't forget to visit your crawl space and attic onece inwhile, even if you aren't selling.  Just take a look for any problems cropping up.  Remember, maintenance is everything. 

 

Call me if you have any questions about this subject.  I am always at your service.