As we round out the topic of inspection contingencies, I’ll remind you of a few key points thus far. First, inspections are optional. However they are highly recommended, especially for older homes or houses that have sat vacant for some time. Inspections are a great way to protect your investment to manage some potential unforeseen money-pit issues. Second, inspections are buyer financed. The purchaser may order and pay for the inspections. Should any areas of the house need immediate attention, repairs or concessions may be negotiated between the buyer and seller. There may be a need for additional inspections performed as warranted by the inspection report. Property inspectors are invaluable in the sales transaction of a house and they offer much wealth in the education of the maintenance of a home. But, there are some areas of the inspection which may require additional inspections of a more specialized nature.
Pest inspections are inexpensive and can help identify active infestations or infestations of past seasons. Pest inspections typically check for termites, carpenter ants/bees, and any other insects specific to wood destroying nature. The cost of any needed treatment will be reflective on the severity of the damage observed. Pest inspectors will also offer suggestions to keep wood destroying insects at bay and away from your home.
Mold inspections can take on different animals as well. There may be ‘mold-like growth’ observed in the back corner of the basement wall. It may be as simple as treating it with KILZ or other over the counter treatment. More serious cases may require mitigation performed by a professional mold specialist. It is important to determine and treat the cause of the mold instead of just treating the effect. Rerouting water and adequate ventilation can be the culprits most of the time.
A property inspection may identify areas that recommend additional inspections performed by a qualified structural engineer. Although the initial consultation of a structural inspection may seem intimidating or overwhelming, understand that the engineers offer solutions which can circumvent larger issues down the road, if left untreated.
An inspection not mentioned in purchase agreements is that of HVAC systems. An HVAC company can be hired to perform a routine inspection/check-up specific to the season of the time of the inspection. So, furnaces can be checked in the winter and air conditioning can be checked in the summer. It’s difficult to test otherwise as the system does not call for the need of the service. You may get lucky on late Fall or early Spring days when you could theoretically run both systems on the same day, but it’s not common. It’s important for HVAC systems as well as pests and any other service that can be regularly inspected to follow a recurring maintenance program. You change the oil and rotate the tires in your car every 5000 miles to keep it running at optimal performance. Your home should be no different. In fact, as vehicles tend to DEpreciate and houses APpreciate over time, priority should be given to the systems in place in your home.
Until next week, love where you live. And if you don’t, contact your Local REALTOR®.
Brian Haufe, 2022 MBOR President
