All About Home Inspections
As part of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, it’s customary for buyers to arrange and bear the cost of a professional home inspection prior to closing. Be prepared: inspections will invariably reveal some areas of concern, and buyers are likely to request you address these issues before moving forward with the sale.
As seasoned real estate professionals with extensive knowledge of home construction, we will highlight potential problem areas before they’re flagged in a buyer’s inspection. In many cases, conducting a pre-listing inspection on your own can offer significant benefits. This proactive approach gives you the opportunity to undertake necessary repairs early on, eliminating potential hurdles that could delay or even derail a sale. Prevention is key, and the easiest issues to address are those that never become contentious points.
Inspections demand specific technical expertise, necessitating a professional Home Inspector. While it’s helpful for homeowners to be aware of common issues, a Home Inspector provides a comprehensive overview of the home’s structure and potential problems, including aspects like:
- Pilot lights on various appliances
- Electrical system including the fuse/breaker box
- Main water shut-off controls
- Structural elements such as foundation, floors, walls, and roof
- Windows and doors
- Plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
- Septic tank, well, or sewer line
- Common areas in condominiums and cooperatives
There are several additional factors homeowners should be mindful of, including:
- Lead-Based Paint: Homes built prior to 1978 often used lead-based paint. While not typically hazardous when in good condition, deteriorating paint poses health risks and necessitates immediate attention. Federal law mandates sellers disclose any known lead-based paint hazards before selling the house, providing buyers a window to check for such issues.
- Septic/Well System Inspections: If a buyer requests such an inspection, the local County Environmental Health department will be contacted, potentially delaying the process by 2-3 weeks depending on weather conditions. The inspection’s results will inform further actions.
- Radon: The metro Atlanta area is a high Radon zone, and many buyers request a specific test for this colorless, odorless, and potentially harmful gas, typically requiring the seller to mitigate any high Radon levels.
- Low Flow Fixtures: Pre-1995 dwellings in unincorporated Dekalb County need certification verifying all plumbing fixtures are water-conserving “low flow” design. Buyers often seek a price adjustment, or even contract termination, if necessary upgrades aren’t agreed upon by the seller.
Please note, as a seller and us, your real estate agents, are obligated to disclose any hidden structural flaws or environmental hazards that could influence a buyer’s decision. This requirement is also applicable to For Sale By Owner transactions.
If a professional inspection was conducted when you purchased the property and you decided not to repair any identified deficiencies, we need to know. Some unresolved issues might be more significant than you realize, and it could be wise to address them prior to a buyer’s inspection. As always, our aim is to resolve potential problems before they arise.