Inspections are done as early as possible in the Option Period and should be set up as soon as possible after the contract is fully executed. This will leave time to renegotiate and amend the contract if major problems, not known at the time the contract was written, are discovered during the inspection.
Initially, what you know about the property comes from what the seller has disclosed and what you have observed. A more thorough look by a licensed and/or knowledgeable inspector(s) can offer you peace of mind. The property inspector’s job is to tell you about the property. The inspector should disclose up front the scope of his inspection so you will know what he will and will not inspect and how deep he will probe.
The purpose of the inspection is four-fold:
1. Educate you about ongoing maintenance issues
2. Familiarize you with the items that might need repair in the future
3. Instruct you about the operation of any equipment
4. Inform you of major problems that might not have been known or readily apparent when you looked at the property. Major undisclosed mechanical, structural, safety, and environmental defects might become items for negotiation. (Cosmetic repairs and maintenance are normal concerns of homeownership and normally are not items for further negotiation.)
Inspectors will generally inspect the foundation and other structural items such as walls and roof. They will look at mechanical systems such as heating, air-conditioning, electrical, plumbing, doors, and windows and appliances. Special inspections may be needed after the general inspector gives his re-port. These could include separate septic, pool, and spa, security, sprinklers, or structural inspections. Your inspector will suggest additional inspections by experts if he has a concern beyond his expertise.
Call Bill Edge at 713-240-2949 to see Houston homes in 24 hours or less.
This information is brought to you by the Texas Association of REALTORS as part of its Graduate REALTOR Institute (GRI) curriculum. Whenever you buy, sell, or lease real estate, make sure your agent is a REALTOR®. © 2005 by the Texas Association of REALTORS ®. All rights reserved.