Real Estate Inspections Myths:
It is a new home. No Inspection is necessary.
The Builder’s Guarantee is sufficient. No Inspection Necessary.
Only older homes really need a full inspection.
Only older homes have Termites.
Termites are the only insects of any concern.
I can wash away any Mold problems
All inspectors are licensed and are about the same.
Inspectors have an Official Form from the State they must be accurate.
Since I have been working on my home for years, I can do the inspection myself.
Asbestos can simply be replaced by other materials. No special help necessary.
Radon only occurs in a small area of the East coast. No need for testing.
And one of the most fun myths…. As long as the local inspectors have assured that the building is built up to code…. another inspection is not necessary.
Facts:
1. Even new homes need inspections. Construction errors in new homes are common. Builders Guarantees are not good enough. New homes need inspections the same as older homes.
2. New homes can have termites. Always have a full termite inspection. And by the way there are more than just termites to be concerned about. There are other pests which need to be eradicated.
3. Inspectors are not necessarily licensed by a State.
4. There are no ‘official” State Inspection forms.
5. An individual should never conduct his own inspection. Building or remodeling experience does not qualify a person to be an inspector.
6. Messing with asbestos can have serious consequences. Read and learn how to deal with asbestos.
7. Some simple mold problems can be handled by washing. This depends on what type of mold is present.
8. You can buy a simple Radon testing kit. And yes there is Radon present in the Western United States.
9. Just because a property is “up to code” does not mean there are no problems.
10. Always get the most complete inspection you can possibly afford. It will be dollars well spent. There are inspection teams to cover every area for you. Electrical, plumbing and structural.
