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Things to Watch Out For
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| The Value of a Home
Inspection |
An inspector checks the safety of your
potential new Huntsville Alabama home. Home inspectors focus especially on the
structure, construction, and mechanical systems of the house and will make
you aware of any repairs that are needed.
The inspector does not evaluate whether or not you're getting good value
for your money. Generally, an inspector checks (and gives prices for
repairs on): the electrical system, plumbing and waste disposal, the water
heater, insulation and ventilation, the HVAC system, water source and
quality, the potential presence of pests, the foundation, doors, windows,
ceilings, walls, floors, and roof. Be sure to hire a home inspector that
is qualified and experienced.
It's a good idea to have an inspection before you sign a written offer
since, once the deal is closed, you've bought the house "as is."
Or, you may want to include an inspection clause in the offer when
negotiating for a home. An inspection clause gives you an "out"
on buying the house if serious problems are found, or gives you the
ability to renegotiate the purchase price if repairs are needed. An
inspection clause can also specify that the seller must fix the problem
before you purchase the house. |
| Do I need to be there for the
inspection? |
| It's not required, but it's a good
idea. Following the inspection, the home inspector will be able to answer
questions about the report and any problem areas. This is also an
opportunity to hear an objective opinion on the home you'd like to
purchase and it is a good time to ask general maintenance questions. |
| Are other type of inspections
required? |
| If your home inspector discovers a
serious problem, another more specific inspection may be recommended. It's
a good idea to consider having your home inspected for the presence of a
variety of health-related risks like radon gas, asbestos, or possible
problems with the water or waste disposal system. |
| How can I protect my family from
lead in the home? |
| If the house you're considering was
built before 1978 and you have children under the age of seven, you will
want to have an inspection for lead-based paint. It's important to know
that lead flakes from paint can be present in both the home and in the
soil surrounding the house. The problem can be fixed temporarily by
repairing damaged paint surfaces or planting grass over effected soil.
Hiring a lead abatement contractor to remove paint chips and seal damaged
areas will fix the problem permanently. |
| Are power lines a health hazard? |
| There are no definitive research
findings that indicate exposure to power lines results in greater
instances of disease or illness. |
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