In addition to a general inspection when buying a home there are also several specialized inspections you may want to consider. These all depend on the area of the country you live in, and the type of property you wish to buy. Some of these may even be required by your state or lender to finalize the purchase process.
Well Inspection
If the home is in a rural area and the water is coming from a well you may need to have the water tested. You can check your local health department for information on how to get the water tested. Usually a tester just comes out to the property and takes a sample form the house. You can also have the well equipment tested for flow and functionality. Even if you are on culinary water you may want to have your water tested for quality. This water is tested the same way as well water. Someone from the local health department will come out and take a sample of the water from the home, and let you know the results once they have them.
Septic Tank Inspection
You may also need to have the septic system tested if there is one. If the home is in a rural area it is very likely that the home will be on a septic system. You will want the current owners to have the septic take pumped and cleaned out before you take possession of the property. You can have the company that is pumping the septic take check for any issues while it is on the property.
Lead Based Paint Inspection
If the home was built before 1979 there is a possibility that there is lead based paint somewhere on the property. The best way to test for lead based paint is to chip off a piece of paint from a window seal or wall and take it in to be checked. Usually the best place to get it checked is at your local health department. Check with your real estate agent. They will know the best options for your area.
Radon Inspection
In certain parts of the country there are extremely high radon levels in some homes. Especially in homes that have basements. Your Realtor should be able to recommend a radon specialist to have the home tested for you, and in some cases your general inspector can do the test for you. The inspector will leave the test in the property for 48 hours, and then send it off to be tested. If the levels are high they will recommend that the home be mitigated, and they will give you an estimate of what it should cost. You can always ask the seller to cover that cost, or see if they will split it with you.
Pool Inspection
If the home has a pool you will want to have the equipment looked at by a specialist. Pool equipment can be very expensive to fix. You will want to make sure it is functioning properly before you buy the home. You may also want to meet with the current owner and have them teach you the proper way to use the equipment, keep it clean, and maintained.
Article Written By Allison Klein, a Fort Collins real estate agent. If you’re looking to buy a home, you may want to check out some of the Fort Collins area neighborhoods such as Old Town real estate and Eagle Ranch Estates homes for sale.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Proper inspections is more utmost needed before you decided to buy any property.
Hardship Letter´s last [type] ..Foreclosure Hardship Letter Template
Very good article, I have noticed that some banks are no longer requiring termite inspections…at least here in Arizona.
Thanks for the great info!
Jo
Jo Lucas´s last [type] ..Trilogy Adult Community Home Gilbert Arizona
Absolutely you should! We’ve had numerous ‘specialized’ inspections performed when further exploration was required. Shingles (mostly wood shakes), electrical, plumbing, and foundation inspections have been the most common for us.
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