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When buying a new home, what really matters?

What really matters when buying a home? The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time. This often includes a written report, checklist, environmental reports, and the inspector's comments during the inspection. All this combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself makes the experience even more overwhelming. What should you do?

Relax. Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations and minor imperfections. These are nice to know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:

1. Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure.

2. Things that lead to major defects. A small roof-flashing leak, for example.

3. Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home.

4. Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electric panel.

Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).

Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Don't kill your deal over things that don't matter. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure, or nitpicky items.

An Intra-Spec Home Inspection

... utilizes a 14 page reporting system that is detailed, comprehensive, and easy to understand. After the inspector performs a visual inspection of the property, a report is then issued (on-site) identifying major deficiences, concerns and recommendations. Positive features of the property are also described. Follow-up telephone consultations are available, if desired.

Intra-Spec inspects the following:

	Roofing	Basements/Foundations
	Installed cabinet work	Electrical
	Plumbing	Attics
	Drywall	Flooring
	Walls	Windows
	Smoke Detectors	Exterior grading/landscaping
	Driveways, sidewalks, paving	Heating and Air Conditioning
	Chimneys/Fireplaces

Keep in mind, while price is important, the most important thing when shopping for a home inspector is the inspector's level of experience. Intra-Spec is a proud member of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.