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Are Home Inspections Required?
 

In most cases, the seller will have a property disclosure available for interested buyers. This will reveal the material facts about the physical condition of the property.

This does not take the place of a whole house inspection that is usually performed after a contract is agreed upon. You will include a provision in the sales contract that gives you the right to inspect the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural portions of the property. The buyer traditionally pays for this inspection. It is advisable to hire a professional inspector. A whole house inspection is highly recommended.

A whole house inspection will be focused upon, but not limited to, some of the examples in the following four areas:

Mechanical – Heating, air-conditioning, appliances

Plumbing – Fixtures, lines, water heaters, sewers

Electrical – Wiring, out-of-date systems

Structural – Doors, windows, roof, foundation, drainage, ventilation, environmental hazards

It is recommended that you accompany the inspector to the property so that you can ask questions and receive your written report itemizing any areas of concern.

If repairs are needed, you can request the seller to make them in accordance with the provisions of the sales contract.

Certain inspections, such as septic and water, are required by both the health department and lenders unless these are supplied by public utilities. Termite reports are required by lenders and are traditionally paid for by the seller.


Which Inspector to Choose

The National Association of REALTORS has recommended the following when choosing an inspector:
 

• Ask exactly what the inspector does or does not inspect.
• Ask what scientific instruments are used – such as moisture detectors, combustible gas detectors, and electromagnetic detectors.
• Ask about the inspector’s professional organization affiliations of memberships, education level and licensing.
• Ask how many inspections the inspector has conducted and whether the inspector works full time.
• Ask what type of insurance the inspector has, including liability, errors and omissions.
• Ask whether the inspector is involved in any other businesses, such as home repair, that represent a conflict of interest.

Samuel Wood
Advantage Home & Environment Inspections, Inc.
South Charleston, WV 25309-2246
(304) 768-5446
Web Site

Max Ferguson
American Home Inspector, Inc.
Scott Depot, WV 25560
(304) 757-0688
Web Site

Curtis McLeod
C.W. Development, Inc.
Huntington, WV 25701
(866) 697-9795
Web Site

 

©2005 Lila Ramkey