When you’re considering buying a home, you need to make sure that your offer is contingent on the home passing an inspection. If you find issues, you can then offer a lower amount, ask the homeowner to make the repairs or back out of the deal entirely. This clause is very important.
As you go through a home inspection, here are a few key issues to consider:
- The roof: Sources claim that a full 39 percent of insurance claims put in by homeowners come from roofing issues. Find out when it was last replaced and check for water damage.
- Heating and cooling: A furnace or AC unit replacement can be incredibly costly, so make sure everything runs smoothly.
- The foundation: An issue with the foundation can impact the structural integrity of the home. It can be very expensive to fix. A thorough inspection is a must.
- Lead paint: The main place to check is the windows. This is where lead paint is often exposed and most dangerous, since it can flake off when the windows are opened and closed. Lead is not healthy for anyone, but it is especially dangerous for young children.
- Asbestos: Like lead paint, asbestos is no longer used in homes, but it may still exist in many older homes. If found, it needs to be removed, as it can lead to a deadly type of cancer known as mesothelioma.
By no means is this a complete list of all potential issues, but it highlights some of the main ones and gives you a good place to start. Make sure you understand the results of the home inspection, as well as your rights and legal options.