Need of Home Inspector
A home inspector is trained to be a detective in regard to the
construction and working parts of homes. It is not an exact science.
The home inspector cannot tear into things, so they can’t
always see everything they’d like to. They do, however, come equipped with
ladders, strong flashlights, and devices to measure various things related to
plumbing, electrical and other necessary home items. Importantly, a home
inspector will also typically bring a digital camera to photograph problems such
as roof shingles not lying flat, signs of mildew from leaking pipes and
construction that doesn’t comply with building codes. They don’t miss much.
It’s a good idea for the buyer to be present during the home
inspection. If you ask them to, home inspectors will usually explain how things
work to you. This is important as they can show you where cut off valves are,
how to remove filters for cleaning or replacement and tell you how often various
maintenance chores need to be done. This information can be very valuable if you
ultimately purchase the property.
It’s also a good idea to ask the home inspector if there are
any particular tests they would perform if they were buying the home. For
example, radon gas (a colorless, odorless gas which is a carcinogen) can be a
problem in some parts of the country. It can be detected, measured, and, if
levels are above EPA standards, there are procedures to deal with it
successfully. A home inspector can help identify such issues for you.
It’s easy to see that a home inspection can provide a wealth
of valuable information. While it is easy to fall in love with a listed home, a
home inspector can be the key to avoiding disastrous discoveries down the line.
By Raynor
James
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