Is it a good idea to hire a house inspector?
New Buyers often think that they can save a lot of money hiring a house inspector because as the old saying goes, “If it’s new, then it’s in good shape.” However, this is where most homeowners are wrong.
Problems are always present, be it new or old properties. There’s no such thing as perfect.
In fact, because they haven’t been tested by years of use and abuse, they can be filled with problems, especially if the builder used any shoddy practices. Hiring a professional House inspector before buying a property is a much greater investment than facing expensive surprises in the future.
However, a house inspector can be very costly, from several hundred to a thousand dollars or more. If you end buying the house that the house inspector inspected, then that is money well spent. More than that, if the house has serious problems, you’re better off saving the cost of the inspector and move on to a better property.
Here are some clues for determining a house’s overall quality before committing to the cost of hiring a house inspector:
The structure.
From a reasonably distant vantage point, look at the house. Do the walls appear to be plumb and flat? From inside, are any walls bowed or not square at corners? When you jump in the middle of the living room floor, does it flex or feel solid?
Water control.
Does the ground slope away from the base of the house? Will gutters, downspouts and drainage pipes carry excess water away from the house…or into the basement? Is there any evidence of water damage?
The roof.
Is the rooftop new and fit as a fiddle? Does it look flawless and legitimately connected?
Do you see signs of quality workmanship in the finish details such as moldings, tile work, hardware, and paint?
& bath fixtures. Are sinks,
Kitchen & bath fixtures.
Are sinks, toilets, and tubs quality fixtures? Do they work properly? Is the water pressure good when you turn on the faucets and flush the toilet?
Electrical system.
Are the number and locations of receptacles adequate to the needs of the house? Is the main circuit breaker marked at least “100 amps”?
Water heater, plumbing. Is the water heater gas or electric (gas is much more efficient)? Water supply pipes from the water heater to fixtures should be copper.
Where is the furnace or heater located and what type is it? Are any rooms not heated? Do registers look adequate for heating the spaces? Is the house air-conditioned?
Look in the attic for insulation; R-19 (6 inches of fiberglass, for example) is a minimum in moderate climates; up to R-38 (12 inches of fiberglass) is required in cold climates. Remove a receptacle cover on perimeter wall to check for wall insulation.
Do they have screens or glass doors (doors are more efficient). What about dampers and log lighters? Is there a combustion vent that draws air from outside and a spark arrestor at the top of the chimney?