| Real Estate 101 - Inspections, Reports & Clearances |
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| What is a Termite Inspection or a Structural Pest Control inspection? | |
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A pest control or termite inspection is an inspection performed by a licensed structural pest control company to check for infection or infestation by wood destroying organisms, as well as conditions that may lead to such infestation in the future. | |
| How to handle situations when termite company and roofing company, both recommend repairs on the roof? | |
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Whenever an agent sees the above-mentioned situation occur, agent should communicate with both companies and make sure both companies have both reports. It's very crucial that the termite work on the roof is performed and re-inspected (if necessary) BEFORE the roofing company performs the roof work. It’s best to have both companies make recommendations on how the work is to be performed, so that work done by one does not disrupt the work done by the other. | |
| What is a termite Clearance? | |
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A termite clearance is a certificate issued by the licensed structural pest control company that based on a specific termite report the property is free of evidence of active infestation or infection in the visible and accessible areas. Additionally, the clearance also lists the items that were completed, as not completed, based on the original report. | |
| How can I get the termite work done by a different termite company or a general contractor and still get a termite clearance? | |
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A termite clearance is always issued based on a specific termite report. If a general contractor performs the work, make sure the termite company performs several re-inspections in order to issue a clearance. Re-inspections take place when the damaged materials are taken out and again when the repairs are completed with new materials. If you want another termite company to perform repairs and issue a clearance, then make sure that this new termite company performs an inspection and prepares a report before starting the work. Bottom line, whichever termite company prepares the report, needs to issue clearance. | |
| What is a Property Inspection? | |
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A home inspection or property inspection is a thorough inspection, performed by a professional, of various parts of a property. It usually includes all the major systems, like electrical, plumbing, heating, as well as major components of the property, like roof, attic, foundation, etc. Usually it does not include free-standing appliances, air conditioner, swimming pool, jacuzzi, alarm system, intercom, etc. You may need to pay extra for having those items included or may have to order separate inspection for them. | |
| How much does a property inspection cost? | |
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Cost of home inspection depends on the size of the home. Typically, a home inspection on an average size home costs $250 to $500. The party responsible for paying for the inspection, can have the inspection company submit the invoice to the escrow holder and pay it through escrow at close of escrow. Some of the inspection companies give discounts if the inspection fees are paid at the time of the inspection. | |
| Who should perform a property inspection? | |
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Select an experienced professional home inspector that specializes in inspecting the kind of property that you are buying (residential or commercial). Do not settle for a handyman or a friend who is handy with repairs. Since your real estate agent has experience dealing with several property inspectors, you can get recommendations from your real estate agent. | |
| Can the buyer be present for the property inspection? | |
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It is a good idea for the buyer to be present for the property inspection. The main purpose for buyer's presence is to understand the findings better by having the inspector point them out and discuss them AFTER the inspection is done. The buyer should avoid following the inspector around. If the inspection is going to take 2 hours, buyer can arrive at the property 11/2 hours after the inspection has begun. Being present for the inspection, helps buyer to understand the report better. | |
| What should be done with the property inspection report? | |
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Property inspection report needs to be reviewed by buyer, seller and agents, as soon as it arrives. Look for major findings and also determine if any additional inspections on components like foundation or roof have been recommended. (Buyer or buyer's agent can speak with the inspector after the inspection to find out if he recommends any other inspection, so that those can be ordered immediately, instead of waiting until the report arrives.) The purchase contract usually provides certain time period for the buyer to review reports & remove inspection contingency. Also, most of the purchase contracts allow buyer to request seller to perform certain repairs based on the report. Please refer to your purchase contract to understand the time period and procedures for approving reports as well as removing contingencies. | |
| What is a Roof Inspection? | |
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A roof inspection is an inspection, performed by a professional roofing company, to determine the condition of the roof. Most of the property inspection companies also inspect roof as part of the property inspection and may suggest consulting a professional roofer for recommendations if roof damage is visible. | |
| What is a geological Inspection? | |
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A geological inspection is an inspection, usually performed by a structural engineer or soils engineer, to check for any potential or existing geological problems that may affect the foundation and structure of the property. | |
| What is a Repair request? | |
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Repair request is submitted in writing by the buyer to seller, detailing the repairs to be done by seller. Usually, the requested repairs are the items in the inspection reports that are unacceptable to the buyer. | |
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