Part Time REI » inspections

What You Should Know About Termite Inspections

Erik Hitzelberger — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 17:15:14 +0000

In most areas around the country a whole home inspection will require a termite inspection. You hope all you have to pay for is the cost of the inspection. Termite control can become a costly expense for your potential flip if problems go untreated for years. Unfortunately in the business of flipping houses with some not being taken care of for years, termites are a real possibility. Many times symptoms generally appear invisible to the untrained eye. A termite inspection pays for itself with expense-saving prevention.

What termites look like

Termites resemble ants but have broad rather than narrow waists, straight antennae and wings. These sometimes are visible at the initial walk through. Basement walls, bricks and beams that develop a mud-looking substance on the joint show another obvious symptom of termite infestation. In the event that a pest control professional locates the presence of termites, you should hire an engineer to conduct an inspection of structural components. The engineer shall produce a report indicating the level of damage, risks, necessary repairs and estimated costs.

The Inspection

As always, you’ll have an inspection conducted to assess the potential value of the property and pinpoint any existing or looming problems. Home inspectors receive optional certification through the National Association of Home Inspectors indicating basic knowledge, competence and field experience. Many home inspectors offer optional additional inspections, including one for termites. Most lenders require a termite inspection and we would always recommend it. Make sure to get a certificate of inspection from your inspector that you can pass on to the buyers. The minimal investment on the inspection will save you from unexpected long-term future costs and allow you to request modification in sale price or to walk away from a purchase if a problem exists.

Pay for a Professional

Seek a reputable exterminator who belongs to the National Pest Management Association for remedying a termite infestation.

Eradication of termites involves a multi-treatment process that can warrant multiple visits over several months. Be sure your home owners schedule ongoing termite inspections as part of thier annual pest-control efforts as they will be responsible after they acquire the house.

A professional will also be able to tell you for sure it is termites. The breakdown of wood surrounding your home or in your basement doesn’t always mean a termite infestation. There are other wood-destroying organisms like wood-boring beetles and carpenter ants, which take up residence and burrow into damp wood surfaces, but don’t actually eat wood. Some owners have confused excessive moisture with the presence of termites. A thorough inspection will properly identify the culprit.

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What’s a Whole Home Inspection Involve?

Erik Hitzelberger — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 17:07:56 +0000

This is the big one. A whole home inspection is the mother load of all inspections. Here is a look at the major points and what’s included in each one for most parts of the country.

The Structure

Entry ways, foundations, siding and porches looking for such symptoms of trouble as sagging roof lines, gaps in or damage to the siding, porches pulling away from the building, obvious signs of rot or insect damage, settlement, certain types of cracks in foundations, cill or rim (the wooden support that sits on the foundation and into which the framing is fastened) and framing where it is exposed.

The Exterior

Visual assessment of decks, balconies, eaves, soffits and fascias. Obvious drainage problems, walkways and driveways for apparent deterioration or safety concerns. Vegetation surrounding the house for obvious problems such as root intrusion. Electric garage door for functionality.

Note this doe not include outbuildings or fences.

Roofing Inspection

Age of roof determined by hands on inspection (inspector climbs on roof) of by binoculars. Roof drainage systems, flashings, skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations (for vents and flues).

Plumbing Inspection

Testing the interior water supply and distribution system including water pressure, water heating equipment (estimating age and approximate time to replacement) and the appropriateness of vents, flues, and chimneys. Toilets for leaks and faucets for leaks and water pressure and the immediacy and volume of available hot water.

Electrical System Inspection

Over current protections, grounding, and the presence of any aluminum wiring (a serious fire hazard and banned for many years in most states). Switches and outlets in the house and note the adequacy of smoke detectors if the state does not require a separate inspection by the local fire department.

Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

No matter the time of year the furnace should be tested by turning up the thermostat and checking the response. Air conditioning cannot be checked if the ambient outdoor temperature is below a certain point. If the energy source is oil an inspector will check the condition of the tank and any visible lines running from the tank to the furnace. Some inspectors will run an efficiency check on the furnace for an additional charge.

Home Interior:

Floors, walls and ceilings for signs of water intrusion, or sagging. Stairways and railings for safety and code compliance and a sample of windows and doors inspected for condition and ease of operation. The basement for indications of previous water intrusion in addition to signs of structural problems.

Ventilation

Poor ventilation can lead to rot, mold, poor air quality or excessive energy consumption. An inspector should check insulation and vapor barriers in unfinished areas of the attic and in the foundation area and look for the presence and operation of any mechanical ventilation systems in the attic and other high humidity areas such as kitchens and bath.

Appliances

Any appliances included in the purchase will be checked for functionality.

Fireplaces

If applicable-integrity of the flue, proper draft, any blockages in the chimney in addition to the exterior of the chimney for damage to bricks, pointing, and flashing.

Knowing these points will help you be more prepared for your whole home inspection and be able to assess from your Property Repair Estimate Sheet what repairs are needed.

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Inspecting Inspections for Houses

Erik Hitzelberger — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 16:15:46 +0000

Ah, yes inspections. The necessary evil of the real estate world. The one thing that can take a “for sure” deal from imminent to inconclusive at the stroke of an inspector’s pen. We know sometimes they are a pain to deal with and if you are just getting started, it may be hard to understand which ones you need to have. Depending on where you are in the county will determine regional mandatory inspections. However, there are a few that seem to be prevalent wherever you are flipping houses. Let’s take a look at the most commons inspections for houses that are a must when investing in real estate.

Most Common Inspections

Termite–Most areas around the country will require a termite inspection. Termite control can become a costly expense for your home owners if problems go untreated for years. This occurs because symptoms generally appear invisible to the untrained eye. A termite inspection pays for itself with expense-saving prevention. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/home-inspection-termite-damage-2546.html

Septic–Not all homes will have a septic system; some will be connected to city sewers. Find out if there is a septic and have it inspected. Believe us, septic issues is not the type of crap you want to deal with when the buyers are ready to close the deal. Pun intended.

Whole Home –This is the big one. Major points include: The Structure, The Exterior, Roofing Inspection, Plumbing Inspection, Electrical System Inspection, Heating and Air Conditioning Systems, Home Interior, Ventilation, Appliances, Fireplaces. This can be a lot of information. What can you do with this data? Check back soon for the answers.

Structural — This one checks the foundation and supporting elements of a home like floors, walls, columns and piers. The important thing to keep in mind with this one is that if a buyer is not satisfied with the results he/she may terminate the purchase agreement in writing and provide a copy of the structural inspection report. Or the buyer submits a list of the problems discovered in the inspection and requests that the necessary corrections and repairs are taken care of before the deal is closed, or adjust the price accordingly.

Radon--With The Surgeon General warning that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States more and more home buyers are having this inspection done. Find out more at http://www.epa.gov/radon/realestate.html

Pool–If you have been keeping up on our Flipping Houses Series then you know about The Pool House. Pools when not properly maintained can be a true nightmare. Be sure if your potential flip has a pool to have it inspected.

All of these inspections for houses you are trying to flip are a great way to leverage the expertise of others. The point of inspections are to make your house safe and worry-free for your potential home owner. Having others do routine inspections for you will save you time in the long run. If inspections are done right in a timely manner, you will be able to forgo any potential problems at the closing table.

Be sure to check back later in our Inspection Series for a more in depth look at each of these inspections.

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