That depends on what a person perceives the value of a home inspection to be.
First time home buyers
benefit from the knowledge they obtain on the overall condition of the homes major systems, proper maintenance and available upgrades.
Some people use a home inspection report as a bargaining
tool so they can ask for needed repairs or to reduce the purchasing price.
Some people believe they are getting the home at such a low price, they will
be able to do any repairs needed later and still be under the value of the home, so they choose not to inspect.
The real
question is why has the home been foreclosed on?
The main reason in this
economy is the owner was unable to make the mortgage payments due to lose of work, divorce, illness, etc.
Another possibility is the home has a hidden defect or needs
costly upgrades that will cost more to
repair then the home is worth.
Keep in mind foreclosed homes do have a greater potential
for hidden damage and additional repair costs. Many of these homes may have suffered wear and tear or damage at the hands of the previous owners.
In most of these cases the home maintenance
stopped long before the owner defaulted.
This could result in maintenance
costs and repairs that exceed the savings on the purchase price of the home.
In some jurisdictions you will have a city inspection.
A city inspection is a code compliant inspection, not a detailed home inspection.
You have the right to hire your own
inspector.
1st Step Home Inspections can help you buy your home with a better knowledge of
the homes true overall condition. As trained and certified ASHI home inspectors we will work for YOU and we'll provide invaluable help in turning you into a knowledgeable
consumer.
A home
cannot fail an inspection. Remember there is no such thing as a perfect home.
A professional home inspection gives you an independent, unbiased view of any problems and their
solutions, so that you will have all the facts you need to make a sound, informed decision.
Partial list of things to be checked:
Structure -
basements, crawl spaces and attics - Including; cut/altered or damaged trusses and joists, moisture intrusion
and visible mold. Bowed, leaning or damaged
foundations.
Exterior surfaces
- including; Improperly supported or rotting decks, Improper soil slope, worn or damaged siding
and chimneys.
Roof
coverings - weather permitting - Including; Wear and tear due to age, weather damage or improper installation.
Plumbing systems - Including;
Improperly installed, missing, worn or
damaged components.
Electrical systems - Including; Dangerous homeowner installations/modifications, faulty or
damaged wiring and
needed
upgrades.
Heating and air conditioning - Including; Components in need of servicing
or replacement due to age, improper installations and damage.
Interior surface and components - Including;
Physical damage to doors, walls, heating ducts, electrical outlets, lights, load bearing walls, Etc.
Insulation and
ventilation - Including; Lack of or altered insulation, possible visable asbestos, exhaust fans ducting into the
attic, Improper wiring, damaged flues and moisture damage.
Fireplaces and chimneys - Including; Damaged
visable areas of the flue liner, damaged flue dampers, creosote build-up, missing flue caps and loose/missing mortar.
Maintenance Items
- Including; Lack of proper maintenance on the
mechanical equipment, the exterior and grounds and recommended upgrades.
Buying
a house may seem like an endless series of critical, important decisions.
When you find the house
that is right for you, you need to find a home inspector to educate you about the condition
of your new home.
This
is a common place and wise decision.
