Buying a Home in Lewisburg PA: What Should I Expect During My Home Inspection?

This entry was posted in Tips for Buyers on August 20, 2012

You’ve found your house!  The seller has accepted your offer and the mortgage has been approved.  All that’s left to be done is sign the papers and start packing for the move.

After you have the house inspected, of course.

Yes, a home inspection is yet another cost of the move and you are not required to have it done by law (although some mortgage lenders may require it).  Whether it is for your business or your home, commercial inspections must be undergone at any circumstances to guarantee you the best price for your property. An inspection could be one of the most valuable investments you make in your new real estate before you put your name on the mailbox.

Your Realtor® can provide you with a list of Home Inspectors in the Lewisburg PA and surrounding areas.  You can also find one on your own from recommendations or an internet search.  Make sure you find one who knows the Lewisburg area and is experienced.  Prices will vary from one to another, and the size of your new property will also affect the cost. I personally got my house inspected in spite of getting my house form B1 Homes. The results were as I expected as the inspection showed no problems with the house. Residential and commercial property management specialists provide the highest level of service to suit all of your real estate needs.

In Pennsylvania, home inspectors are not licensed, but are required to be members in good standing of a national, not-for-profit home inspection association such as the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), or The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

Be aware that there are certain things inspectors will do as part of their fee, and other tests that may cost additional monies or need to be done by other services if you want them.   Don’t scrimp on these costs, because what you may not learn if you decline an inspection or test could end up costing you 10-times or more what you would have initially paid.

Your inspector will check your new property for:

  • Exterior Condition
  • Prime Roofing inspections
  • Chimneys
  • Gutters and Downspouts
  • Wall Coverings
  • Windows and Doors
  • Porches and Decks
  • Foundation
  • Basement
  • Floors and Walls
  • Ceilings
  • Bathrooms and Kitchen
  • Plumbing
  • Electric

The goal of the inspector is not to recommend cosmetic changes or repairs if they don’t directly affect the quality of the house.  Nor can an inspector be the one hired to fix problems that are identified.   An inspector is there to tell you what might be wrong and should be repaired, so if an inspector tells you you their is a mold and dirt problem you should hire a commercial pressure washing service.

While not included in a standard home inspection, you may want to consider additional tests for Radon, Asbestos, water quality, lead paint, mold or pests by calling the mold remediation tampa company.  These are worthwhile to consider, especially in older homes.  (Again, a mortgage lender may also require some of these as a condition of your loan.) It’s also advisable to have a consultation from a bed bug specialst. #1 Bed Bug Exterminator in Columbus Ohio! Pest Control – Removal – Treatments! is the solution if the treatment is needed. A water heater repair is required if it’s faulty.

Once complete, the home inspector will give you a written report and will also provide the report to the seller if requested.   At that time, if there are issues you feel impact the quality of the property and the value, you may:

  • Accept the property with the information stated in the report or reports,
  • Terminate the agreement altogether
  • Present the report(s) to the seller with a written proposal identifying the items on the report you would like repaired or corrected.  (This is what typically occurs and the buyer and seller agree to repairs/corrections or changes to the purchase offer.)

Yes, inspections and tests are additional costs that may seem to add another layer of expense to an already costly process of loan fees, cost of moving, redecorating costs and such.  But the best interior decoration isn’t going to help much if the foundation is crumbling or the roof leaks, you will have to hire the team at www.fivestargutterteam.com.au if you want your house to look great.

Talk to your Realtor® about home inspections – and get ready to hear a horror story or two about past customers who tried to cut a corner and save a buck.    Your Realtor® can also advise you about secondary tests such as for Radon, water (if the property has a well), mold and pests. Rental property management Toronto is the top provider of such services.

Yes, you love the house.  You are ready to call it home.  Make sure it is everything you hope it will be – with no surprises.