Practolo Blog

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Tips for Phoenix Home Inspection

Getting a quality home inspection in Scottsdale is vital whether you’re about to sell a home or buy a home. Here are a few guidelines to doing your own property inspection to be certain your property inspector does what’s obligatory, but do not take this as legal services and always seek pro help. These axioms may also differ from state to state.

Prior to meeting with the Cave Creek home inspector, you’ll want to bring copies of the deed, survey, tax demand, leases, and invoices for any major work on the property. These documents will familiarize the property inspector with your property ; moreover, the search of the same will cause the vendor to invest time in the negotiation.

1 ) Exterior Inspection
Start with an exterior assessment. With clipboard and pad, record impressions about near by property, drives, walkways, stairways, and handicap access. Note the parking situation, grading, and landscaping. Check the condition of exterior walls, doors, and windows. Use your binoculars to test the roof, or if feasible check it close-up. Is it cracking or thick with too many layers? Are the gutters and downspouts in good condition? Water is deleterious, so pay attention to drainage. Look for soggy conditions, peeling paint, cracking mortar, algae and mold.

2) Major Systems Inspection
The basement is one of the most important parts of a property. From there, begin assessing the major systems. Check the foundation by studying the supporting walls for sandy, cracked, or deteriorated mortar. To find air leaks, look for cobwebs-spiders spin them near openings to prey upon insects who enter from outside. Explain this entomology lesson to the seller as you pick at those energy inefficient cracks. Check the sump for water which indicates seepage. Water draws termites, so use your screwdriver to probe beams for rotten wood.

3) Living Area Inspection
Next, check the living area. Check for an alarm system and smoke detectors. Note the smell-it can affect value. Tally the number of bedrooms and toilets. ( According to FHA, a’bedroom’ is not a bedroom if you have to walk thru it to access another room. ) Many older homes lack closet space, so make note. Inspect the composition and condition of floors and walls. Test all windows and doors for ease of use. Also check that all electric sockets are grounded ( three prong ) and functional ( you can use a cheap electrical tester. )

These are only a few points to consider when you get a home inspection done. This does not replace the advice of a genuine, qualified and experienced pro. Please seek qualified help when you really need your Scottsdale home inspections done or call 480-415-7977 if you are in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 29th, 2009 at 1:05 pm and is filed under Home Improvement Center, Real Estate Hall, The Investment Way. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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