Rick Jacquemard, Flatirons Home Inspections
BOULDER – You have found your dream home and the contract is signed. It is now time for a home inspection. But what does a home inspection report disclose? Buyers often have little knowledge about home construction and its components, and have difficulty deciphering home inspection reports. Many don’t know how to figure out which types of defects are serious or whether their home inspector checked all the essentials. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there are items in your inspection report that you are unsure about.
Before issuing a formal request to repair, consider the seller’s incentive to hire the cheapest contractor and to replace appliances with the least expensive brands. Home inspectors may not know or be reluctant to disclose repair costs. Call a contractor to determine the scope and expense to fix problems revealed during an inspection.
A repair issue that will be a deal breaker for a first time home buyer, causing the buyer to cancel the contract, will not faze a home buyer versed in home repair. Talk to your agent, family, and friends and call a few contractors to discuss which types of defects are minor. Perhaps a simple solution is available such as replacing a $1.99 receptacle, which can resolve many outlet problems.
Even new homes will have issues noted or flagged in a home inspection. Problems that aren’t readily identifiable to you such as code violations, a furnace that leaks carbon monoxide or a failing chimney, are the types of defects a home inspector could identify in a new home. Building contractors make mistakes, too.
For more information on home inspections contact Rick Jacquemard, at 720.280.3544, e-mail [email protected] or visit flatironshi.com.
