Inspections, Warranty
Do I Need A Mobile Home Inspection ?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make.
To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to
learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house
before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs
or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in
good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which
will allow you to make decisions with confidence.
The inspection should include the following at a minimum:
- Evaluate the physical condition: the structure,
construction and mechanical systems.
- Identify defective items.
If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems
in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid
costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, a home
inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the
house in better selling condition.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical
structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.
What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the
home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature
permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and
visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the
foundation, basement and structural components.
The American Society of Home
Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and
Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered in your
home inspection report.
What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically,
as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection
fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house,
its age and possible optional services such as septic, well or radon
testing.
Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home
inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security
and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the
lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector’s
qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s
regulations, if any, and professional affiliations as a guide.
Why can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of
a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of
home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or
she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function
together, as well as why they fail.
Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and
unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on
their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial,
third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.
Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current
condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value.
It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A
home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather
describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may
need major repair or replacement.
How do I find a home inspector?
Because manufactured/mobile homes are different than site built homes,
it's best to use an inspector who specializes in manufactured/mobile homes.
Ask your Western Heritage agent for Mobile Home Inspections companies that
you can contact to determine who you may want to employ as your inspector.
Do I have to be there?
While it’s not required that you be present for the inspection, it is
highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask
questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain
it.
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t
mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in
advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to
become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to
you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I
really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence.
You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s
written report, and will have that information for future reference.
Do I Need A Termite Inspection ?
A termite inspection
is a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of a home for
evidence of wood-destroying insects (WDI) and wood-destroying organisms
(WDO). The inspector will visually inspect the entire interior of a home (including accessing and entering any sub-space such as crawlspaces) and
exterior of the property. In areas where Drywood termites are prevalent,
and in houses where there are no sub-areas, the attic may also be accessed
and inspected. After the inspection has been performed, the findings are
reported on the applicable/appropriate form. Even thought it is not a
requirement with your lender, we at Western Heritage feel it is good to have
one for your protection.
Do I Need A Home Warranty
?
The last thing a home buyer
wants to worry about after closing is what could possibly break or
malfunction in her new home. Since that can cover a
multitude of items and systems, for peace of mind, it's a good idea to get a
home protection plan. It's especially a
good idea to obtain a home warranty if you're a first-time home buyer with
no experience maintaining a home.
Home warranties are service contracts included in
residential real estate transactions to protect the homeowner from the high cost of unexpected failures of a home's
major systems and appliances.