Home Inspection Guide presented by Luxury Simplified Real Estate, Charleston SC

2018 EDITION

The Quick Guide To

R E S I D E NTI AL HOM E INSPECT ION What Every Buyer & Seller Needs To Know

Luxury Simplified Real Estate’s

HO ME I N SPECTION G U ID E This is a buyer and seller’s guide as through the eyes of an inspector. In this guide you can expect to learn helpful tips for preparing your property so you don’t find yourself paying for a job that wasn’t completely done to your specifications.

Buyer’s GU I D E Information for those purchasing a new home or property.

P U RP O SE OF ANY HOME I N SPEC T I ON :

• To identify items of concern and safety issues • To give buyers and sellers a better understanding of the home’s condition • When performed by a trained, professional home inspector, the information revealed in the inspection helps buyers understand the true condition of the property

W HEN SH OUL D YOU ORDE R A H OME IN SPEC T I ON ?

Immediately after reaching a written purchase agreement with the home seller. Most real estate purchase agreements include a clause making the purchase contingent on a home inspection for your protection.

P U T IN SP ECTION F IND ING S I N TO PER SPE C TIVE

Please keep in mind that very few homes are in perfect condition, and most will need some maintenance and TLC.

A Home Inspection Includes:

1

A thorough visual inspection of the structure - inside and out, from foundation to roof

2

An examination of all major systems - mechanical and electrical. Evaluation of hundreds of components

3

A printed report explaining all the significant findings and recommendations

LU XURY SIMPL IF IED TIP

A professional home inspection can take 2-3 hours. We recommend that you attend the inspection to learn firsthand the condition of your property.

Seller’s GU I D E Information for those selling their home or property.

W HAT YO U CAN EXPECT

For those selling their home, understanding the process and prepping your home for the inevitable evaluation not only helps to ensure that the transaction goes through, but often translates into getting a top-dollar selling price as well.

Generally, inspections are scheduled shortly after the contract on your home is signed. After an appointment is made with the seller, the home inspector arrives, usually with the buyer in tow, and thoroughly combs the entire house.

Keep in mind that home inspectors are not required or advised to move personal items blocking access to areas that need to be inspected. Failure to prepare a home for inspection may result in an incomplete inspection, call backs, additional fees and a frustrated buyer.

For the best results, provide easy access to these areas: Attic access door - this may be in a closet, hallway or garage Crawlspace access doors - remove stored items from the space Water meter and main water line Hot water heater and surrounding area Air conditioning units and surrounding area Furnace and surrounding area Main electrical panel & electrical sub panels Remove decorative items from doors and windows Kitchen counter tops and appliances - remove items from the oven and dishwasher Foundation wall - especially the corner of the basement Garage overhead and service doors Provide a safe place for your pets during the inspection

Breakdown of a

HOME INSPECTION

EXTERIOR COMPONENTS

Roof Gutters Windows Doors Siding Trim Grading Driveway Patios

INTERIOR COMPONENTS

PLUMBING

Plumbing fixtures Hot water supply Cold water supply

Doors Fireplaces Ceilings and walls Built-in appliances

A F T ER TH E INSPECTION

The inspector will leave items as they were found. Please check that the thermostat settings have been reset.

STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

Hot water heater Heating & Ventilation Air Conditioning

Foundation Framing Floor / Slab Crawlspace Attic

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Electrical service entrance Electrical service panel Electrical circuits

BUY SELL INVEST RENOVATE RESTORE BUILD VACATION

LUXURY SIMPLIFIED REAL ESTATE

95 Broad Street

Charleston

SC

29401

843 853 6055 l info@luxurysimplifiedgroup.com l www.luxurysimplifiedgroup.com