THE IMPORTANCE OF INSPECTIONS: One of the routine, but still most important parts of buying a home is your investigation of the home as to its structural and related physical integrity. This can cover not only the physical condition of the home and outbuildings, but also other related factors that, while not a part of the actual structure, can have a major affect on that structure. So, just for a change, here is some good information on the inspection process. Home inspections are an essential part of the home-buying process, but what constitutes a thorough inspection and how do you find the right professional to do the job? A general inspection is meant to identify structural or systemic problems in a home: Construction: Condition of walls, ceilings, floors, foundation, insulation, and roof. Electrical: Wiring, grounding, main panel, circuit breakers, light fixtures, and exhaust and ceiling fans. Plumbing: Toilets, showers, sinks, faucets, and traps. Check condition and identify materials used for potable, drain, waste, and ventilation pipes. Systems: Water heater, furnace, air conditioning, duct work, fireplace, chimney, and sprinklers. Appliances: Dishwasher, range and oven, refrigerator, garbage disposal, washer, and dryer. Garage: Slab, walls, ceiling, garage door, and firewall. Exterior: Siding and trim, doors, windows, lights, gutters, driveways, fences, sidewalks, landscaping, and drainage. Sometimes a general inspection may not be enough. Specialists may be called in to test for asbestos, lead paint, radon, or methane gas, as well as mold and wood-eating pest damage. It’s always a good idea for buyers to be present during home inspections to get an up-close look at the condition of their new home, ask questions, and learn from the inspector’s comments. Plan on at least three hours, and perhaps five or more, for a thorough inspection. How to find the best inspector for the job? Ask friends for their recommendations, and also the real estate professional who’s assisting you in your home search – he or she has probably dealt with dozens of inspectors and can steer you in the right direction. Many skilled home inspectors do not belong to a national or state association of home inspectors, but such membership is often a plus. Organizations include the American Society of Home Inspectors, the National Association of Home Inspectors, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, and the California Real Estate Inspection Association. One other area that inspections can be very helpful is in the selling of a home! That's right--I said 'Selling'. How, you may ask. Simple, we recommend at least a pest inspection before placing your home on the market. If it appears necesary, we'll also recommend other types of inspection. The reason is that you know before ever going to market what, if anything, may be an issue. You then have the option of getting it repaired or not, and noting this to prospective buyers when you provide them with the report(s)O as part of your disclosure. You also can take into consideration any issues when you price the home for sale, and make it clear that you have done so, to any buyer that may want to bargain over price due tot the issues in the report. Need advice on getting inspections, or who to use? Give us a call. As always, we'd be glad to help. Call Jane: (415) 531-4091; or Peter: (415) 279-6466.