The House Detective

Home Inspections; why should you do them? After all, you think, "Gee the house looks great." In life though, it's what you don't know that will hurt you. How important is your peace of mind?

Here are  just a few things to consider:

• Is the roof sound? How old are the shingles? How many layers of shingle are there?
• Is there a gas leak or carbon monoxide leak on the furnance or hot water heater?
• Are the driveway, sidewalks and foundation sound? Concrete always cracks but is it ground shift or cosmetic?
• Are there signs that the previous homeowner did their own remodeling, expansions or basement finish? If so, was it done correctly? Were permits pulled?
• Do the stove, microwave, refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher and air conditioning all work properly?
• How is the wiring in the house? Plugs that have been wired backwards moy not damage your blender, but they may fry your PC.
• Does the yard slope away from the foundation or towards it?
• Does the fireplace leak gas?
• Are any of the seals broken on the double or triple paned windows?
• What condition is the fence in?
• Do you know if the house has radon or mold problem?

Of course, this list is not inclusive. Each house is different and each buyer and seller has a different tolerance for home defects and repair problems. Some problems are minor and only require a few minutes with a screw driver, wrench or caulking gun. Others may require the services of a professional. Do you know how to tell the difference?
 
Just how important is your peace of mind?