Home Inspectors: Which Ones Should Visit Before I Purchase a House?

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The key items in a home which should be inspected before a purchase are the electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. There shouldn’t be too much to look at with the plumbing if there are no evident leaks, no constantly running toilets, and the water heater is in good shape and not more than 10 years old. If there is a septic system, it is a good idea to have someone run a test on this. Usually, this is a visual inspection of the tank to make sure it is not full. Then the inspector will run as much water into the system as possible for 30 minutes to make sure it doesn’t back up. An electrical system is often checked by looking at the breaker panel and the devices in the wall to make sure they are in good working order.

Most likely, rather than spending the cost of several separate inspectors, you can find a certified home inspector. They will look at every system and part of the home and produce a thorough report of their findings. Before you make the hire though, be sure to check references, just as you would hiring anyone else.

Randy Ritzenthaler

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