Home Inspections....Will These Walls Talk?

You have worked hard finding your new home.   You've researched the market, spent hours upon hours peering at homes on line, and even more visiting those homes.  

But, now it's done!   You've found that home, and even better yet, have come to terms with the Seller on the property!

Inspection Contingency Clause.
This is fairly standard and expected.   In most cases your inspection contingency clause will give you the opportunity to investigate the property and back out of the transaction if you find any major structural, mechanical or other defects.  

  Facts for Consumers   

Be present for the inspection.

This way you can investigate the property along with the Inspector, listening, learning and asking questions about your new home.
The Inspector will give you helpful maintenance tips as well as point out any present or potential problems that he/she sees.     You should get a written report that details the aspects of the inspection, and it's easier to understand the report if you have been around the property with the guy/gal.

Keeping it in Perspective. 

You're probably not buying a new home.    The home won't be perfect, none are.  The Inspector's job is to find all the imperfections.   You will want to remain as realistic and objective as possible.

*Are there items significant enough that they would make you not want to buy this home?
*Have they found a safety issue?  

*Or, Something that will become a large unexpected  expense now or in the near future? 

What if there is a Problem?

If you find something that really bothers you, you can back out of the home, ask the Seller to fix it or negotiate.       Either way, it's your decision, but don't forget why you got to this point.  You love the place or you wouldn't be looking to buy it!     Experience tells me that it's easy to get freaked out when an inspector is picking the place apart.    Remember his job it to find it all... no matter how big or small. 

                                                           
What's Included in Your Home Inspection ?

Structural Components: Foundation, sills, joists, beams, supports, etc.
Exterior Components: Siding, windows, decks and porches, gutters and downspouts, driveways, general landscape condition.
Roofing: Flashings, and chimneys.
Mechanicals:  Plumbing, Electrical, Heating/AC, Water Heaters, Fuel
Interior: Ceilings, floors, railings, doors and windows, stairs, sometime appliances
Insulation and Ventilation: Attic, basement, insulation types, kitchen and bathroom fans, etc.
Garage Doors, openers, etc.

Finding a Great Inspector.

As with anything else, ask for referrals, and call around. You should be interested in finding someone that is thorough, experienced and can communicate with you in layman's terms.  Standards of Practice.


Other Inspections to Consider.

Pest, Radon, Mold, Septic, Well, Pool, Chinmey, Lead Paint

A Great Home Inspection will leave you feeling secure about your purchase!   But, You have to find that home first!   So, Call me!    508-494-9061    or email




                     Do you have any home inspection advice ?


commenting tutorial

Today's Count, Al - 16...... The "fearless" Cat - just 2.....

They just keep coming, seeking refuge in this "warm" house....
 (trust me, just a bit warmer that outside! story for another day)..

We are learning..... looks like those very sneaky mice can just slip the cheese right out of the trap, laughing all the way to their dinner table..not only are we providing them with warm shelter, but dinner too!

So what to do here? It's not by poison.....not only bad for our cherished "mouser" but by the time the poison takes effect, the slippery little critter has gotten into the wall somewhere and falls prey to the stuff.... and yep, you get to live with the odor of his demise for quite some time. not acceptable..

We've found the best way to trap the thing is to use peanut butter or chocolate.... put that on the old fashion inexpensive trap...set two side by side so he can't jump over them.....and wait... not too long in this case.

Where there is one, there is many.    A couple of other tips.

Eliminate all openings through which they can enter a structure.
Seal cracks and openings in foundations, openings for water pipes, vents and utilities .
Use smooth patching materials so they can't pick at them.
Doors, windows and screens should fit tightly.
Mouse proof all stored, processed food.   Use airtight containers.

Oh....  and by the way.... this is the best part.... when either Al or the Cat gets one....
they feel the need to show it to me!