Post By: Nancy Braun, ShowcaseRealty.com

Protect your interest

When you buy a Charlotte NC home, you buy its amazing features and great location. You also buy its flaws. Not all homes are perfect. Even some new construction homes have minor flaws.

Your home is a big investment, and you want to make sure it is in good condition when you buy it.  It is your right to know the weaknesses of the home you are going to purchase, and the home inspection allows you to learn that.

Many buyers feel that the home inspection is something they can do themselves because it seems easy to check the condition of the home and find out if the electrical or heating systems are working.  While it’s true that a home inspection only covers and inspect things that are visible, there are many things you don’t check when buying a home.

For example, one of the reasons you love the living room is for its stone-lined fireplace. Have you checked if it is safe? Did you check the wiring of the home? How about the plumbing?  All these things are covered in the home inspection.

Top 3 benefits of a home inspection

1. It saves you money. Home inspections cost $300 – $400 depending on the size of the home. It is a small amount to pay compared to your possible expense a couple of years later when you have to rewire your entire home, or when you need to have your foundation repaired.

2. It allows you to negotiate for a lower price. When the home you like is still at the upper end of your budget price range, a home inspection may give you the means to negotiate the price to your favor.

3. It gives you a good deal. Not only does a home inspection allow you to ask for a lower price, it also gives you the power to request needed repairs. Some sellers are willing to deduct the amount of repair from the listing price.

What’s included in a home inspection?

Home inspections start from the top of the house down to the bottom, but it will not cover everything in the Charlotte NC home you are planning to buy. The inspector has a list of different items to look at in the home. These inspectors are trained and certified by the state and are experts in what they do.  The following are some areas covered in an inspection:

• Structural components including foundation and framework of the house are covered. The inspector will check if the foundation is solid, and if the walls are straight. This is especially helpful if you are buying an older home.
• The roofing system is composed of the shingles, flashing, fascia and skylight which will be looked at. The inspector will check for defects which may cause drips or loose gutters.
• Exterior portions of the home will be covered including the siding, porches, and driveways. The inspection will check for cracks, rot or decay in the siding.
• The plumbing system which includes pipes, drains, and water heater will be inspected to check for deficiencies.
• Heating and Cooling system and its distribution equipment will be analyzed.
• Interior features like walls, ceilings, windows, doors, etc will be looked at.
• Insulation and ventilation will be inspected to see if it was installed properly.
• Fireplaces which include chimneys and vents will be inspected for problems.
• Kitchens will be checked from plumbing, to electrical and appliances.
• Bathrooms will be inspected for venting, leaks and more.

You will be provided with the detailed findings, which you can use as basis for further price negotiation.  As a buyer, the home inspection report is your way of checking the investment you’ll be making is sound and will not give you any problems in the near future.

Call me, Nancy Braun, at (704) 997-3794 or email OfficeAdmin@ShowcaseRealty.net today.  Allow me to make your real estate experience a smooth and enjoyable journey.