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Home Inspection Information
Prior to purchasing a home in Baie-Comeau, it's important to get an inspection. Before contacting a Baie-Comeau inspector, arm yourself with knowledge.
To minimize surprises and unexpected difficulties when buying a home, you may want to have it inspected. You have the right to carefully examine your potential new home with a qualified home inspector. You may arrange to do so before signing your contract, or after as long as it states that the sale of the home depends on the inspection. You will have to pay for the inspection yourself, but it could keep you from buying a house that will cost you more in repairs down the road.
A home inspection is an evaluation of a home's condition by a trained expert that may identify builder oversights or the need for major repairs. In a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at your potential new home to evaluate its physical condition, identify items that need to be repaired or replaced, and estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems, equipment, structure and finishes. The standard home inspector's report will cover the condition of the home's heating system; central air conditioning system; interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; and the foundation, basement and structural components. Inspectors look for improper building practices, those items that require extensive repairs, items that are general maintenance issues, as well as fire, safety and health hazards.
A professional home inspection is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. Thus, a home cannot "fail" an inspection; there is no score or passing grade given.
Please note: A home inspector is sometimes confused with a real estate appraiser. A home inspector determines the condition of a structure, whereas an appraiser determines the value of a property. In general, appraisals are for lenders while home inspections are for buyers.
For more information on home inspections, including how to locate an inspector, please visit the Federal Citizen Information Center's (FCIC) brochure titled "For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection."
You may also wish to view ten questions to ask a home inspector available on the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) website.
In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General of the United States have recommended that all houses be tested for radon. For more information on radon testing, please call the National Radon Information Line at 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236). As with a home inspection, you may test for radon before signing your contract, or you may do so after as long as it states the sale of the home depends on your satisfaction with the results of the radon test.
A home termite inspection is not mandatory but may also be needed for a number of reasons, such as lender discretion, if there is noticeable termite damage, if it is a state or local mandate or if it is usually done in the area. It is recommended that a professional pest control operator complete the inspection. To locate more information on how to choose a termite control specialist, you may contact your local county extension office.
Finally, you may wish to view information on selecting a contractor for home improvements and repairs.
Courtesy of USA.gov.
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