peter wrote:
As others have said, get the home inspected. Another good idea: Bring 2-3
intelligent, observant friends for a couple of walk-throughs. Sometimes
they spot things the inspectors miss, or ask questions you didn't. "How
come the ceiling in this room is textured, but not in other rooms?" Could
point to past water damage. Inspectors don't always notice everything.
Mine completely missed the uninsulated crawl space under part of the
kitchen.


No kidding. My impression is that anyone can get a license and call himself
a house inspector.

But think about it, in order to find all the faults, the inspector needs to
know about structural engineering, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, pests,
geology, plants and trees, city and building codes, ... How could one person
be an expert in all these fields?

The suggestions about bringing observant friends is a good one, especially
friends who are DIY type home owners.

Also, call some insurance companies to get insurance quote. If the house has
had mold problems and words get to the insurance companies, some (all?)
insurance company would refuse to insure the house.

Also, the older the house is, the more rigorous you need to inspect it not
just due to deteriorations, but also building code update. If the house
belongs to a home owners association, reading the meeting minutes from the
past may also reveal some problems.


Hi,
Decent inspectors carry isurance.