During the home buying process, once you have a home under contract, your Realtor will recommend that you hire a general home inspector to inspect your home. You may also want to consider a few other specific inspections: a roof inspection, HVAC inspection, pool inspection and glass inspection.
Having a general home inspection performed when buying a home is a “no-brainer.” A general home inspector looks at all systems in a home and will provide you a detailed report of what is in good working order, or what may be in need of repair.
This list of “deficiencies” will help you put together the repair request to submit to the seller as part of the escrow process.
In some cases, the home inspector will indicate that a certain system needs further investigation by a contractor, thereby giving you the opportunity to do more due diligence within your inspection period.
The results of the home inspection may also cause you to decide that the home you have in escrow isn’t the home for you.
We strongly recommend considering a few other specific inspections that target some of the major systems of a home.
- For a detailed review of the pool and it’s equipment, hire a pool contractor.
- Have a roofing contractor look at your roof.
- Have an HVAC contractor take a look at the heating and cooling systems.
- Have a glass company inspect all of the windows in your home for failed seals.
There are 2 benefits to having these extra inspections:
1) a contractor who is specialized in that field is likely going to be able to do a more thorough investigation than even the best home inspector. Since these systems are usually the most expensive systems when it comes to repairs, it’s nice to be extra-sure about any deficiencies with them, and to factor this information into your negotiations for requested repairs or into your decision to move forward in purchasing the home
2) a contractor will also be able to give you an estimate on the cost of the repairs needed to these systems (most inspectors can’t or won’t do this), which is also helpful information to have before negotiating a list of repairs with the seller.
One other inspection that should be mentioned is a termite inspection. Since termites thrive in dry weather and hot climates, they are prevalent in Arizona. If they go undetected by homeowners, they can create irreparable damage to the interior of a home.
A termite inspection is mandatory if you are getting financing, but not required if you are paying cash for your home. However, we highly recommend that cash buyers have a termite inspection performed.
Your general home inspector may also recommend additional inspections, such as a structural inspection or an environmental inspection as a result of his/her observations when inspecting your home.
When buying a home, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable and experienced Realtor, such as a member of The Matheson Team, to navigate your way smoothly through the inspection process. Contact us today for more information.
CONTACT US for more information on buying or selling a home in DC Ranch or Silverleaf.
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-360-0281
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
