Now that your offer and contract has been accepted by the seller for the home you wish to purchase, it is time to schedule your inspections. A standard home inspection checks electrical, mechanical, plumbing and structural systems in the house. A separate inspector may inspect items like a pool, roof and stucco. This inspection may lead to the need to have contractors come review the findings of the inspector to determine the work and cost involved to remedy issues.
As the home buyer, you may request to have architects, interior designers and contractors in the home for remodel of improvements you plan to make. The home inspection may likely be the last time that you are in the house prior to the final walk through. If you need to take any room measurements, bring your tape measure with you to the inspection.
According to the standard contract, you may be required to have a CL-100, well water or septic inspection completed no more than 30 days prior to closing. The CL-100 looks for the presence or indication of damages by termites or wood-boring insects and/or other wood destroying organisms. The well test checks for general water quality. A septic inspection is generally not intrusive to the septic system. You and your agent will coordinate to have these inspections ordered at the appropriate time and if it applies to the property.
Your contract will stipulate whether you or the seller is required to provide a pest inspection including termites and other wood-boring insects. These must be completed within 30 days of closing. If you wish to pursue more extensive inspections, there are several more complete examinations you can discuss with your agent.
While the seller is required to warrant that the septic system is functioning, this is a very basic inspection that looks only at soil saturation. If the home you are purchasing is not on public sewer, you may perform a more intrusive inspection that checks the full septic system, including the lines, distribution box and overall functionality. In addition, this test requires that the septic system be pumped. This inspection could take a few hours to complete and a good amount of time to get on a schedule.
A well inspection checks the overall functionality and water flow of the well and well systems. This may take up to a few hours. There will not be any water in the home during and immediately after this test. You may also elect to test a sample for mineral content, radon existence, hardness, alkalinity and more.
After all of your due diligence inspections are complete, you will review the reports with your agent and decide whether you are going to request any repairs or credits. If you do request work to be completed by the sellers, you will be required to provide them with copies of any applicable reports. Please remember that the inspection deadline is when you and your agent to request repairs, and not the deadline to schedule the inspections.
It is of the utmost importance to work with a knowledgeable real estate agent to guide you through the process of home inspections. William Means Real Estate agents are experts in their field and are connected with reputable professionals that will make for a smooth home buying process.
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