The seller just accepted your offer on the house of your dreams, leaving you one step closer to the finish line. But before you close the sale, you have to go through a home inspection.
Ordering a home inspection is an essential step in the home buying process to avoid problems down the road. You want to nip issues in the bud so you can move to your new home without having to worry about overdue repairs.
To find out the condition of the home you’re about to buy, hire a professional home inspector to go through the house. Unless you have the time and the skills to do it yourself, you can hire a professional home inspector to go through the house. It may set you back a few hundred dollars, but it will save you time in the end. Ask to be around during the inspection if you want to see for yourself the condition the house is in. Then, wait for the home inspection report for a more detailed assessment of the property.
Here’s a checklist of areas in the house that need to be inspected:
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Structure. You want to make sure that the house is structurally sound. Has there been a fire in the house before? Are the floors durable and even? Do you see nails popping out of the walls?
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Roof. Check the overall condition and ask the seller how old it is and if it’s ever been replaced. The seller is required to disclose any work that’s been done on the house. Do you spot missing shingles or tiles? If the warranty is still in effect, ask the current homeowner if the warranty is transferable to you upon purchase.
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Electrical. If the house’s electrical wiring is not up to par, it signals a potential fire hazard. Outdated wiring can also be a hassle to update.
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HVAC system. It is essential to look into the heating and AC systems. Check if air filters are clean and that units aren’t rusty. There should be no combustion gas odor either. Ask the seller if they converted the system.
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Attic and basement. Look for seepage or signs of water damage.
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Windows and doors. Do they open and latch properly? Do they seem misaligned?
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Exterior. Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached to the exterior of the house? Do they drain away from the house?
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Appliances. If your home purchase comes with stoves, refrigerators, and ovens, ask for their age and condition.
- Noxious gases. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes should test for radon, a radioactive gas that cannot be detected easily. It forms naturally when radioactive metals break down in rocks, soil, and groundwater. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon in air that comes through cracks and gaps in buildings and homes.”
Ask your seller if they have tested the home for radon. New Jersey requires sellers to disclose known, latent, or material defects on their property. Otherwise, sellers may be liable for fraud and misrepresentation if the house proves to be uninhabitable.
If the house has not been tested, do it yourself. A radon test costs $40, and processing takes only a few days. There is no price to put on the health and well being of your family.
Make sure you tick every box in our home inspection checklist. If you’re thinking of buying a home in Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris and Union Counties, New Jersey, contact the local real estate experts. Call Pagnotta Homes at 908.436.7947 or email info(at)pagnottahomes(dotted)com.