Home Inspections: Don’t Forget to Check the Pipes
Before buying a home, every reasonable buyer should inspect several things before putting their money down. It would be a reasonable assumption that, during home inspections, all of the superficial things are checked in detail. But to really know what state the home is in, you have to look below the surface. Things like heating and air conditioning, electrical wiring, and insulation are usually at the top of the list, however, plumbing is often overlooked or not looked at closely. Having a plumbing inspection completed before purchasing your house should be considered a priority, as it is usually one of the most time consuming and expensive problems to fix. Here are a few things to think about when considering a plumbing inspection for your home purchase.
Ask for a professional opinion
If you are unsure of what you should look for, or you are uncertain of problems that you think the home may have, it is strongly advised to reach out to a plumbing professional. Home inspections can be a daunting task, and you want to be sure that everything is thoroughly inspected before sealing the deal. A professional will be able to recognize problem areas that you may not know to look for, as well as give you an estimate for repairs. This will also equip you with the power to negotiate a discount with the sellers to cover the unexpected expense.
Be detailed in your inspection
If you are going to have a plumbing inspection completed before buying a house, you’ll want to make sure it’s thorough. Whether you do your own inspection, or hire a professional as noted above, be sure to be detailed. Flush the toilet in every bathroom, test the water pressure in every shower, look for signs of corrosion on the water heater and ask when it was last serviced. If it is too old, request that it be replaced. Inspect the crawl space and basements for water damage, leaky pipes, or inadequate repairs. Anything that you notice can be used for negotiation. This is one of the reasons for home inspections.
Know your options
When your inspection is complete, research your options for any repairs, or ask your hired professional. With today’s technology, there are more options than just digging everything up and replacing it. Ask about CIPP repair and if it may be a better alternative for your repairs. It is often less expensive, less time consuming, and doesn’t require the headache of digging. Knowing your options gives you negotiating power, as the seller may be more likely to give a discount or cover the expenses themselves.
In summary, home inspections are a good idea for many reasons. You don’t want to end up buying a house with problems that you were unaware of. In the end, it could cost you. Having a plumbing inspection before buying a house is one of the best ways to ensure that doesn’t happen. Remember the tips above and you should be well on your way to happy home buying.