The Home Inspection At A Glance

 Living in Aliso Viejo Real Estate Tips

The buyer of your property usually initiates a home inspection report. It is also up to the buyer to hire the contractor or Home Inspection Company and to be responsible for payment. The buyer will usually pay the inspector by check upon the completion of the inspection. (These inspections last about 2-3 hours.)

Usually the buyer will want to be around for the latter part of the inspection. This is a good idea as the inspector can explain any defects found and usually abate any fears on the part of the buyer. However the seller does not have to be present, as he/she will receive a full report from the inspection company.

The buyer will most likely go over the report and list any repairs that they would like the seller to do. The seller then will go over this list with his/her real estate agent and decide on what repairs they will or will not make.

There are many things to consider and your agent can help you decide on what repairs are important to do. Even if you sell your home in "as is condition" you would have to disclose all defects. However, if you are looking to get top dollar out of the sale of your home, you will want to have your home in top condition. 

Noticeable, but minor repairs can turn a buyer off. It makes them think that there could be more serious underlining problems with your home. Don't wait for the home inspector to find all these little problems. Having these fixed up front will alleviate the stress of the inspection and help your escrow go much smoother.

Keep your home in top condition. Make minor repairs when needed and if you're adding any kind of addition to your home (patio cover, hardscape, room, loft, fireplace, pool) always get the necessary permits and keep them in a safe place. Thinking that you're saving a few dollars in the beginning by not getting the correct permits, may only cost you much more money down the road.

GROUNDS:

• Clear away large plants or trees away from your roof or siding.

• Make certain rain gutters are clear and clean.

• Uncover and clear any landscape drains.  It is important that the home inspector can see and inspect these drains, especially if your home is situated on a hillside or in an area that has a history of unstable soil.

• Check the grade (the soil or earth around the siding of your home) make certain that it is 6-8 inches from the foundation of the house and that it is graded away from the house.

• Make certain all of your fences and gates are in good repair. That gates open and close easily and gates next to pools are self-closing.

• Driveways, patios and sidewalks should be free of cracks or damage from tree roots.

• Retaining walls should have adequate drainage and walls that are cracked or leaning need to be repaired.

• Patio covers or any structure built over a deck must meet building code standards of the city.

• Decks and porches must be in good repair and meet building code standards.

EXTERIOR:

• Adjust your sprinklers to spray away from your house, fences and sidewalks.  Check for leaks, broken or missing heads or broken lines. Make sure that you are not over watering.

• Check the eves, soffits, facia and trim for water damage. Caulk or repair where necessary.

• Hose faucets should operate easily and be in good condition.

• Make sure you have anti-siphon valves on your outdoor faucets if you have a pool.

• If you haven't had your chimney checked, it might be a good idea, especially if your home is older. Install a spark screen if you do not have one. Make sure flashing and covering around the chimney is in good condition.

FOUNDATION:

• The most important thing here is your grading and drainage. Grade all earth away from the foundation.

• The inspection of the foundation is limited to visible areas only. Any indication of water penetration should be looked into. Excessive moisture can damage the foundation.

ROOF:

• The roof should be serviceable and within its useful life.

• Flashing, vents and skylights in good condition.

PLUMBING:

• Old galvanized piping typically requires replacement.

• Make sure main line valve is operational.

• Check for leaks.

• Water heater should be in good condition, all vents and shut off valves in working order and seismic straps should be installed. Kits are available at hardware stores.

HEATING:

• The heater and controls should be in good working order with all vents clear.

ELECTRICAL:

• Inspection of the electrical wiring and fixtures includes radon testing of outlets and lights throughout the house.

• A qualified electrician should perform repairs to wiring or electrical panels.

• Replace any burned out light bulbs.

INTERIOR:

• Check all doors and window that they work freely and easily.

• All entry doors should have weather stripping installed.

• Walls and ceilings should be free of visible stains or odors. (A fresh paint job is recommended)

• Carpets should be clean and free of odor.

• All sliding doors and screens should work easily.

•  Smoke detectors should be in every bedroom and in the hallway outside the bedroom and in working order.

• Some fireplaces emit smoke into the house; a quality chimney sweep can remedy this.

• Attic should be accessible and properly vented.

• Laundry sink and hook ups in working order.

GARAGE:

• Floor carpeting or other material should be removed.

• Door that enters house from garage should be solid wood and self-closing. No pet doors.

• Ventilation for the garage is critical if fuel-burning appliances are installed.

• Any improper added wiring, lights and outlets require repair by an electrician.

• Vehicle door should work easily. Upgrading is recommended for older hardware. Install safety springs.

• Repair any holes in garage firewall.

 
KITCHEN:

• Sink and plumbing must be serviceable and in good working order.

• Counters, cabinets, floor and lights in good condition.

• Disposer should be serviceable and working.

• All appliances functioning properly.

• Sinks should be caulked properly.

BATHROOM:

• Toilets should be secured tightly at the base and at the tank connection.

• All water shut off valves should work freely and easily.

• Bathrooms that contain a tub or shower need ventilation either through a window or exhaust vented through the roof.

• Shower enclosures and bathtubs should be properly caulked.

• Repair any moisture damage.

• All plumbing must be serviceable and in good working order.

For complete details on everything Aliso Viejo Real Estate visit our web site at http://www.alisoviejorealestate.com.