Sandy Bastear
Inspections
Once you receive an offer on your home, various inspections will be done to educate the buyer as to the physical condition of the property they are purchasing. While these inspections do not provide guarantees on the condition of the property, they do provide valuable information to you as a buyer. It is important to remember that your purchase contract may provide for a withdrawal from the contract if these reports are unsatisfactory to the buyer, but inspections should not be considered an open door to negotiate the purchase price
Structural Pest Control Inspection
Often referred to as a "Termite Report," the Structural Pest Control Inspection is conducted by a licensed inspector. In addition to actual termite damage, the Pest Report will indicate any type of wood destroying organisms that may be present, including Fungi (sometimes called "dry rot"), which generally results from excessive moisture.
Section I Conditions
Most Pest Reports classify conditions as Section 1 or Section 2 items. Section 1 conditions are those that are "active," or currently causing damage to the property. Generally, Section 1 items need to be corrected before a lender will make a loan on a home.
Section II Conditions
Those that are not currently causing damage, but are likely to, if left unattended. A typical Section 2 item is a plumbing leak where the moisture has not yet caused fungus decay.
Who Pays?
Your Purchase Contract will specify who is responsible for the cost of the inspection and making these corrections. This is a negotiable item and should be considered carefully. Your real estate agent will advise you as to what is customary and prudent.
Physical Inspection
The Physical Inspection clause in your purchase contract, when initialed by both parties, allows the buyer the right to have the property thoroughly inspected. This is usually done through a general home inspection. While home inspectors are not currently required to have a license, most do, or have been general contractors. The inspection and the resulting report provide overall assessment of the present conditions of the property.
What is Inspected
The home inspections covers items such as exterior siding, paint, flooring, appliances, water heater, furnace, electrical service, plumbing, and other visible features of the property. This is a general inspection and will often call for additional inspection by specific trades, such has roof and furnace inspections.
Further Inspections
If conditions warrant, the home inspector may recommend a structural engineer's report. Such a report would identify structural failures and detail recommended corrections.
Who Pays?
Typically, the buyer pays this inspection.
Geological Inspection
The buyer may also elect to have a Geological Inspection to educate themselves as to the soil conditions at the home they are purchasing.
Other Common Inspections
◊ Water Conservation
◊ Well and Septic
◊ Seismic
◊ Zoning and Build Permit Compliance
◊ Contractors Home Inspection
◊ Chimney Inspection
◊ Heating and Air Conditioning
◊ Structural Engineering
◊ Energy Audit
◊ Geotechnical
Inspections and Invoices in Escrow
The escrow officer will need to be notified if inspections or work is going to be done on the property is going to be paid through escrow. Your real estate agent will notify the escrow officer if this is the case.
Structural Pest Control Inspection
Often referred to as a "Termite Report," the Structural Pest Control Inspection is conducted by a licensed inspector. In addition to actual termite damage, the Pest Report will indicate any type of wood destroying organisms that may be present, including Fungi (sometimes called "dry rot"), which generally results from excessive moisture.
Section I Conditions
Most Pest Reports classify conditions as Section 1 or Section 2 items. Section 1 conditions are those that are "active," or currently causing damage to the property. Generally, Section 1 items need to be corrected before a lender will make a loan on a home.
Section II Conditions
Those that are not currently causing damage, but are likely to, if left unattended. A typical Section 2 item is a plumbing leak where the moisture has not yet caused fungus decay.
Who Pays?
Your Purchase Contract will specify who is responsible for the cost of the inspection and making these corrections. This is a negotiable item and should be considered carefully. Your real estate agent will advise you as to what is customary and prudent.
Physical Inspection
The Physical Inspection clause in your purchase contract, when initialed by both parties, allows the buyer the right to have the property thoroughly inspected. This is usually done through a general home inspection. While home inspectors are not currently required to have a license, most do, or have been general contractors. The inspection and the resulting report provide overall assessment of the present conditions of the property.
What is Inspected
The home inspections covers items such as exterior siding, paint, flooring, appliances, water heater, furnace, electrical service, plumbing, and other visible features of the property. This is a general inspection and will often call for additional inspection by specific trades, such has roof and furnace inspections.
Further Inspections
If conditions warrant, the home inspector may recommend a structural engineer's report. Such a report would identify structural failures and detail recommended corrections.
Who Pays?
Typically, the buyer pays this inspection.
Geological Inspection
The buyer may also elect to have a Geological Inspection to educate themselves as to the soil conditions at the home they are purchasing.
Other Common Inspections
◊ Water Conservation
◊ Well and Septic
◊ Seismic
◊ Zoning and Build Permit Compliance
◊ Contractors Home Inspection
◊ Chimney Inspection
◊ Heating and Air Conditioning
◊ Structural Engineering
◊ Energy Audit
◊ Geotechnical
Inspections and Invoices in Escrow
The escrow officer will need to be notified if inspections or work is going to be done on the property is going to be paid through escrow. Your real estate agent will notify the escrow officer if this is the case.