For starters, there are many components that make up a home. In today’s market, construction companies are desperate to hire new employees to keep new homes on the market. In the Phoenix and Tucson markets, new homes are being cranked out by the hundreds every day. We all know how fast builder’s can build a home and quality control is an issue for all builders. A great home inspector works for you to help make sure your home is in good working condition.
New Builds – In the last few weeks, I’ve inspected quite a few new homes just before the one year builder’s warranty has expired. Each time, I have found enough repairs to justify the cost of the inspection and then some. What does this mean to the average homeowner? Not only does the builder come back to make repairs at no charge to you, you will not have to pay to make these repairs when you go to sell your home. When you go to sell, the buyer is more than likely going to pay a home inspector to come through your property and note all of the repairs that need to be made. The buyer’s realtor is going to “negotiate” the cost of these repairs and try to lower your asking price. For a few hundred dollars, you can avoid having to lower your selling price and have your new builder make all of the needed repairs to ensure your HVAC system, water heater, furnace, and plumbing are all operating as they should. On the last home I inspected, the homeowner hadn’t noticed several visible items that home inspectors are trained to find.
Licensed/Insured Home Inspectors – A good home inspector should bring you peace of mind that you are getting exactly what you paid for. If you have a realtor that tries to tell you that you need to “forego” the inspection to remain competitive in today’s market, you might want to think about finding a new realtor unless they are offering to pay for your repairs and warranty your home after you move in. I recently received a phone call from someone asking for a home inspection on a $900,000 home. A day later, she called me to apologize and let me know that she wasn’t going to get an inspection because she wanted to “close the deal.” I let her know that was her right to cancel but asked if she was sure she wanted to spend close to a million dollars on a home without knowing the condition of the house. A new roof can cost tens of thousands. Don’t be caught up into thinking that you must have a home before getting a home inspection. A dream home can quickly turn into a nightmare once you find out the home is filled with mold, the roof is leaking, and you have an entire home that needs to be rewired and re-plumbed with new piping. If you are in Arizona or are moving to either the Phoenix or Tucson markets, call Ox Home Inspections and let us help make sure you are moving into a safe home that you can live in for years to come.
