When Should I Hire A Northern California Residential Home Inspector?

Most people wouldn’t even consider buying a house without having a report from a home inspector. When questions arise about the condition of a property, it’s tempting to bring a home inspector in early in the process. That’s not such a great idea because the money spent on the inspection is wasted if somebody comes along and offers more than the asking price. The best time to hire an Northern California residential home inspector is after the seller has accepted your offer and the attorneys have begun writing up the papers.

Can You Use The Results Of A Home Inspection to Renegotiate The Price Of A Home?

Even though home inspections should be done after there’s an accepted offer, it’s perfectly reasonable to request that the price be modified if the inspection reveals expensive flaws. For example, if mold is discovered in the basement, this might require a complete basement renovation to repair, a cost that was not anticipated when you made your offer. The seller might not have been aware of the problem and whether the seller will repair the problem or lower the price can be negotiated. That said, if you’ve offered a fair price for the home and the seller accepted that offer, it’s bad form to expect a price reduction based on normal wear and tear that the home inspector notices and points out. This type of haggling might send the seller to another buyer who won’t give him such a hard time.

What Are The Most Common Problems Found By Home Inspectors?

● Roof - This could be anything from an aging roof that might need to be replaced in a few years to an improper installation that is causing structural problems.

● Heating/Cooling - Aging components, poor quality system or improper installation.

● Electrical - Aging or faulty wiring is a safety concern that requires immediate attention. Home additions are the most common place to find these problems.

● Plumbing - Leaking, outdated or troublesome types of systems such as those containing plybutelene.

● Inadequate ventilation or insulation - This can lead to expensive utility bills.

● Poor maintenance - If the cooling, heating and other systems and structures are not properly maintained, they may not last as long as they should.

● Poor drainage - Adding roof gutters and downspouts can sometimes fix this problem that can lead to water intrusion.

● Environmental Problems - Mold, contaminated water are often spotted.

● Foundations - Cracked, deteriorating or uneven foundations.

When Do You Hire A Specialist?

In California, home inspectors are not required to have any training whatsoever. That’s why you have to be careful to hire a Northern California home inspection company that has the experience and training to spot problems so you know you’re not buying a “money pit.” An expert home inspector is able to spot problems with mold, foundations and many other costly defects, and will suggest that you hire a specialist in that area. For example, an experienced home inspector will be able to spot signs of mold, and will recommend that a more thorough inspection be performed by a mold specialist that can also give you a quote for making the repairs. An inspection that reveals problems doesn’t always mean you should walk away. You might be able to persuade the seller to lower their price or make the repairs. The most important thing is knowing exactly what you’re walking into.

Inspection Pro’s LLC Gets The Job Done Right

If you’re thinking of purchasing a home in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, Amador, Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano, it’s important to choose the most reputable Northern California Home Inspection Company. Tim Musson has the training and experience to get the job done right. Call 612.475.4208 for an appointment.