Inspections help you understand
the overall condition of a property. They save
considerable time in the buying process, ensure
a smart purchase decision, and protect your investment.
Inspections could save you thousands of dollars
in unanticipated repairs.
This table provides information
on common inspection types. Other inspections
may be necessary for the home you are considering.
Be sure to discuss inspection requirements and
recommendations with your sales professional before
making an offer on a home.
| Covers
lot and grounds, roofs, exterior surfaces,
garage or carport, structure, attic, basement,
crawl space, electrical, heating and air conditioning
systems, plumbing, fireplace or wood-burning
devices, and appliance condition. |
| Analysis
in a lab detects the presence and condition
of asbestos fibers. If asbestos is found,
buyers should seek professional assistance. |
| Some
siding is susceptible to water penetration,
which may cause premature deterioration and
rotting. This inspection evaluates the condition
of the siding and any areas of high moisture. |
| Painted
surfaces in homes constructed before 1978
should be assessed for the presence of lead-based
paint. Lead exposure can be very harmful to
you and your family. |
| Examines
the fluid level inside the septic tank. The
tank is pumped to check its condition, and
subsurface liquid waste (effluent) levels
are detected as well. SeptiCheka" provides
more reliable information on potential problems
than a septic dye test. It can alert the buyer
to a range of costly repairs or failures. |
| Determines
whether a private well adequately supplies
water to the home. Samples are sent to a lab
for portability (drinkability) analysis. |
| Determines
the overall condition and operability of the
pool and/or hot tub's equipment. The pool
deck also is inspected for deterioration and
other noticeable defects. |
| Detects
and measures radon levels. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) estimates that 21,000 lung cancer
deaths per year result from radon in indoor
air. They recommend all homes be tested for
radon. The EPA recommends that homes containing
4.0 or more Pico curies per liter be fixed. |
| Evaluates
the application of traditional or synthetic
stucco siding to determine whether it was
according to manufacturer specifications.
Checks for moisture that may cause hidden
structural damage. Synthetic stucco, commonly
referred to as Exterior Insulated Finish System
(EIFS), is predominately found in the Southeast.
However, it can be present in homes in other
areas of the country. |
| Examines
the property for the presence of wood-destroying
insects and wood-destroying organisms, such
as fungus. Termite inspections also may reveal
conditions that are conducive to such insects
and organisms. |
| Inspects
for corrosion and damage that could allow
hazardous materials to escape into the soil
and potentially contaminate drinking water.
The vacuum test method involves sealing off
the tank to create a vacuum. Periodic readings
indicate if the tank is losing its vacuum.
Results can be provided to the buyer immediately.
A second common method is a soil test. Random
core samples from the tank vicinity are analyzed
in a lab for the presence of contamination.
The majority of UST problems occur in the
Northeastern states due to the older properties
located there. |
