Home Inspections

Once Mid Town Realtors has helped you find your dream home, there’s an important step to take before you close on the house. A home inspection determines what problems, if any, you may have to deal with once you move into your new home.

Why do you need an inspection?

Inspections provide information about the actual condition of the structure and important systems (heat & air, plumbing, etc.) that will help you make a knowledgeable decision about that “perfect house” as well as an emotional one.

In some cases, a satisfactory report is required to obtain financing and/or mortgage insurance.

An inspection assures that you know about potential defects before you buy. If defects are found before closing, you can negotiate with the seller to remedy them or adjust the selling price. If you find them after closing, you will have to pay to correct them.

What needs to be inspected?

A typical structural inspection will include:

• foundation
  
• load-bearing & partition walls
  
• windows & doors
  
• ceilings
  
• floors
  
• stairs
  
• roof & roof structure
  
• fireplace & chimney
  
• porches & decks

The inspection should identify additions and major modifications to the structure.

The inspector will:

• report conclusions about the condition of each component
  
• provide information to support those conclusions
  
• make recommendations about appropriate remedial measures

Additional inspections usually performed include:

• electrical system
  
• plumbing
  
• heating and air conditioning
  
• built-in appliances
  
• pools
  
• sprinkler systems
  drain systems

Choosing a home inspector

Your Mid Town agent will provide you with information about inspectors available in the area.

Before you select an inspector for your prospective new home, consider the types of inspectors available.

FHA/VA Appraisers/Inspectors:

• check only those areas required by FHA/VA mortgage insurance guidelines
  
• not required to be licensed or qualified as home inspectors
  
• most important: they serve FHA/VA, not you!

Licensed Technicians:

• include plumbers, electricians, H/VAC specialists
  
• licensed by a government agency
  
• highly skilled in their area
  
• probably not qualified to do a whole house inspection

Professional Engineers:

• specialists licensed by the state
  
• emphasize structural considerations
  
• less emphasis on mechanical systems
  
• provide narrative reports of specific findings
  
• reports include importance of findings and conclusions, and
  
• recommendations for remedial measures in the area of specialty (if requested)

Real Estate Inspectors:

• licensed by the state
  
• trained to do comprehensive inspections
  
• inspects structures & systems
  
• reports findings, conclusions, and recommendations
  

Note: Often a licensed inspector will request that a professional engineer inspect the property. The mortgage company or others may require an engineering report. If so, it may be cost effective to have the inspection performed by a professional engineer.

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