DO YOU NEED A HOME INSPECTION?

You found the perfect house. It's only 10 years old, nothing rattles, nothing leaks and you are trying to save as much money as possible. Should you spend several hundred dollars on a home inspection? YES. Buying a home is the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and avoiding expensive repairs you need to learn as much about the house as possible. A home inspection will identify the need for major repairs as well as advise on maintenance to keep the house in good shape.



There are potential problems that are not visible when you look at the property. Radon, a colorless, odorless and potentially harmful gas might be present. In rural areas there is always a concern about the performance of the septic system or the quality of the water. Simple tests determine these problems and they all have remedies. It's better to find out the problems now, when your Realtor will help you find a solution or renegotiate the price, then to find out about them when you are ready to sell the property.



If Uncle Charlie is an electrician you are probably tempted to ask him to inspect the house. This probably is not a good idea. Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. While a seller might not want to repair or reduce the selling price because Uncle Charlie found something wrong, the seller is going to pay attention to the findings of a professional home inspector.



The standard home inspector's report will cover the condition of the home's heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.



If the house shows a problem, don't panic. No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies a problem, it doesn't mean you should or shouldn't buy the house. It simply means there are problems and, if they have acceptable solutions, the sale continues. If they are too serious or if you cannot renegotiate with the seller, you rescind your offer and find another house.



Choosing a home inspector is an important choice. I believe buying a home is a "team sport" and your home inspector is one member of your Buying Team. The team approach works well. When your team works together and in your best interest, the whole process is a little smoother with fewer surprises. Ask your Realtor for the names of home inspectors and call them asking what they will inspect and their pricing. Your Realtor works with many home inspectors and knows who is good and priced reasonably.



Your home inspector should be a member of The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). New Hampshire doesn't have any licensing laws regarding home inspectors so you need the protection of hiring one who is a member of ASHI and works within their standards of practice and code of ethics.



ASHI publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered in your home inspection. If you contact me via e-mail with your mailing information, I am happy to send you a copy.



To see all the available property in New Hampshire, visit my website at http://www.lampreyriverre.com/