I'm a prospective home buyer. Is there a way (like a government
resource) where I can check to see what repairs I might need to do to
a house before I purchase it. For example, has the foundation been
cited as needing repair, the roof, is there a spider infestation, etc.

On Sun 11 May 2008 10:47:57p, told us...

I'm a prospective home buyer. Is there a way (like a government
resource) where I can check to see what repairs I might need to do to
a house before I purchase it. For example, has the foundation been
cited as needing repair, the roof, is there a spider infestation, etc.


You need a home inspection by a licensed home inspector. If you have a good
one, you'll learn all you need to know.

--
Wayne Boatwright
-------------------------------------------
Monday, 05(V)/12(XII)/08(MMVIII)
-------------------------------------------
Countdown till Memorial Day
1wks 6dys 23hrs 35mins
-------------------------------------------
Polls show that 9 out of 6
schizophrenics agree.
-------------------------------------------

On May 12, 3:26*am, Wayne Boatwright
wrote:
On Sun 11 May 2008 10:47:57p, *told us...

I'm a prospective home buyer. *Is there a way (like a government
resource) where I can check to see what repairs I might need to do to
a house before I purchase it. *For example, has the foundation been
cited as needing repair, the roof, is there a spider infestation, etc.

You need a home inspection by a licensed home inspector. *If you have a good
one, you'll learn all you need to know.

--
* * * * * * *Wayne Boatwright * * * * *
*
I forget how you detail the inspection but it can be condition of sale
and in buyer's market, the home seller could pay for it. Some houses
are advertised with an independent home inspector's report included.
Also, depending on local laws, there may be mandatory termite and
radon inspections that the home seller must do.

On May 12, 12:47*am, wrote:
I'm a prospective home buyer. *Is there a way (like a government
resource) where I can check to see what repairs I might need to do to
a house before I purchase it. *For example, has the foundation been
cited as needing repair, the roof, is there a spider infestation, etc.

Just get it inspected by a pro and if you know contractors get one to
look at it, you need to learn about the house before you buy it.

On May 12, 7:44�am, ransley wrote:
On May 12, 12:47�am, wrote:

I'm a prospective home buyer. �Is there a way (like a government
resource) where I can check to see what repairs I might need to do to
a house before I purchase it. �For example, has the foundation been
cited as needing repair, the roof, is there a spider infestation, etc.

Just get it inspected by a pro and if you know contractors get one to
look at it, you need to learn about the house before you buy it.

home inspector can drive down price when they find problems.....

hey this hot water tank has seepage, see the green scum? you will need
a new tank 800 bucks around here.

house price drops with each deficency

On May 12, 10:16Â*am, " wrote:
On May 12, 7:44�am, ransley wrote:

On May 12, 12:47�am, wrote:

I'm a prospective home buyer. �Is there a way (like a government
resource) where I can check to see what repairs I might need to do to
a house before I purchase it. �For example, has the foundation been
cited as needing repair, the roof, is there a spider infestation, etc.

Just get it inspected by a pro and if you know contractors get one to
look at it, you need to learn about the house before you buy it.

home inspector can drive down price when they find problems.....

hey this hot water tank has seepage, see the green scum? you will need
a new tank 800 bucks around here.

house price drops with each deficiency


.................................................. ..........................

On other hand any inspector should be independent and 'at arms length'
to both buyer and seller.

Using someone who is 'in the pocket of' (or elated or employed by)
either party, the situation could get expensive later on if faults ARE
discovered and/or (worse) there is litigation!

Probaly worst is "My cousin, who is an inspector" etc. Or someone who
does much 'other' work for the seller.

0.02 from here!

wrote in message
...
I'm a prospective home buyer. Is there a way (like a government
resource) where I can check to see what repairs I might need to do to
a house before I purchase it. For example, has the foundation been
cited as needing repair, the roof, is there a spider infestation, etc.


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.

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.

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.

Frank wrote in
:

On May 12, 3:26*am, Wayne Boatwright
wrote:
On Sun 11 May 2008 10:47:57p, *told us...

I'm a prospective home buyer. *Is there a way (like a government
resource) where I can check to see what repairs I might need to do
to a house before I purchase it. *For example, has the foundation
been cited as needing repair, the roof, is there a spider
infestation, etc.

You need a home inspection by a licensed home inspector. *If you have
a
good
one, you'll learn all you need to know.

--
* * * * * * *Wayne Boatwright * * * * *
*
I forget how you detail the inspection but it can be condition of sale
and in buyer's market, the home seller could pay for it.

In this case, the seller should get a copy of the FULL report as
well...since the HI technically works for them.

Some houses
are advertised with an independent home inspector's report included.
Also, depending on local laws, there may be mandatory termite and
radon inspections that the home seller must do.

"peter" wrote in news:dZYVj.7973$jk1.475@trndny05:

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.

In some states that's absolutely true. In some states you have to be
licensed by the state. http://www.home-inspect.com/legislation.asp

No matter what the requirements are, probably best to go with one
certified by ASHI or NACHI. I know ASHI is a good one.


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.

even brand new homes can have serious deficencies, and with the
housing builing industry so bad, contractors may disown a problem or
may have gone bankrupt.


a new never lived in home is no guarantee of good quality

wrote:
even brand new homes can have serious deficencies, and with the
housing builing industry so bad, contractors may disown a problem or
may have gone bankrupt.


a new never lived in home is no guarantee of good quality
Hmmm.
Where I am, builders pulled fund to gurantee the sturucture of new house
for 5 years. 1st after service is all free. There were instances house
was bought back because of too much troubles.
No wonder I always had my house custom built on my spec.

On May 12, 10:50�pm, Tony Hwang wrote:
wrote:
even brand new homes can have serious deficencies, and with the
housing builing industry so bad, contractors may disown a problem or
may have gone bankrupt.

a new never lived in home is no guarantee of good quality

Hmmm.
Where I am, builders pulled fund to gurantee the sturucture of new house
for 5 years. 1st after service is all free. There were instances house
was bought back because of too much troubles.
No wonder I always had my house custom built on my spec.

with the economy so bad builders nationwide going bankrupt.

beware a builder on his way out may have cut corners and once they
file bankruptcy they are off the hook......

get home inspection even on new homes today. all sorts of wierd stuff
turns up, that might be hazard, and you may not find for years.

like reversed hot and neutral on outlets, or open grounds.

outlet still works fine

You should have it inspected all through the building process by a
private inspector. Don't depend on the local "code" inspectors.
They don't find everything, they are too busy, can't possibly know
everything about all 12 or so trades and are not civilly liable.
Besides, they are inspection for "Code" which is MINIMUM STANDARDS.
Is that what you want for your huge investment?

Inspecting at the end is too late to find what may be serious flaws in
the construction. It's all covered up now and too expensive to do
anything about.
Doing "progress" inspections will cost you money but a whole lot less
than dealing with or tearing out something to fix what should have been
done before it was covered.
Private Property Inspector and retired General Contractor

wrote:
On May 12, 10:50�pm, Tony Hwang wrote:
wrote:
even brand new homes can have serious deficencies, and with the
housing builing industry so bad, contractors may disown a problem or
may have gone bankrupt.
a new never lived in home is no guarantee of good quality
Hmmm.
Where I am, builders pulled fund to gurantee the sturucture of new house
for 5 years. 1st after service is all free. There were instances house
was bought back because of too much troubles.
No wonder I always had my house custom built on my spec.

with the economy so bad builders nationwide going bankrupt.

beware a builder on his way out may have cut corners and once they
file bankruptcy they are off the hook......

get home inspection even on new homes today. all sorts of wierd stuff
turns up, that might be hazard, and you may not find for years.

like reversed hot and neutral on outlets, or open grounds.

outlet still works fine


--
Ã�Ã�Ã*¡±á

There is a company called erudite publishing that sells
a step by step do it yourself home inspection. I think
it goes for around $15. sure beats the heck out of
paying $350 each time you like a house.
Lou

On May 15, 6:22*am, Lou wrote:
There is a company called erudite publishing that sells
a step by step do it yourself home inspection. I think
it goes for around $15. sure beats the heck out of
paying $350 each time you like a house.
* * * * * *Lou


And anybody that thinks a $15 DIY book beats a $350 inspection by a
professional, gets what they pay for. Plus, when you're a buyer,
having a professional home inspector say there is a problem with
something is going to be a whole lot more likely to result in the
seller offering a discount to cover it as compared to the buyer just
saying it.

wrote

There is a company called erudite publishing that sells
a step by step do it yourself home inspection. I think
it goes for around $15. sure beats the heck out of
paying $350 each time you like a house.

And anybody that thinks a $15 DIY book beats a $350 inspection by a
professional, gets what they pay for. Plus, when you're a buyer,
having a professional home inspector say there is a problem with
something is going to be a whole lot more likely to result in the
seller offering a discount to cover it as compared to the buyer just
saying it.

I think the key here was 'each time you like a house'. Not buy, but want to
know something about what to look for before you pay larger amounts for an
actual inspection by a professional.

"cshenk" wrote in message
...
wrote

There is a company called erudite publishing that sells
a step by step do it yourself home inspection. I think
it goes for around $15. sure beats the heck out of
paying $350 each time you like a house.

And anybody that thinks a $15 DIY book beats a $350 inspection by a
professional, gets what they pay for. Plus, when you're a buyer,
having a professional home inspector say there is a problem with
something is going to be a whole lot more likely to result in the
seller offering a discount to cover it as compared to the buyer just
saying it.

I think the key here was 'each time you like a house'. Not buy, but want
to know something about what to look for before you pay larger amounts for
an actual inspection by a professional.


I think that is the key also. Knowing some things to look for while
checking out houses may be worth the price of the book if you don't know
much about home construction and repair. When you do see a house you really
like and are getting ready to put down a deposit is the time to get the $
300 inspector out. I would have hated to pay that price for each house I
looked at before deciding on the final one I bought. I know a bit about
houses and construction, but not enough to "bet the house on".

While my inspector seemed to do a fine job ( I followed him around), I did
not need him to tell me there were 2 burnt out light bulbs or one of the
fausets had a small drip, but did need him to tell me if the foundation was
bad or if there was a well or septic system problem.