Roughly 10% of recently-purchased homes weren’t inspected, according to Bill Loden, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Typically, Nashville home buyers skip inspections when they’re trying to cut costs, forgoing the fee that inspectors charge to perform a two- to four-hour search to flag any significant defects of the home they’re looking to purchase. But those selfsame faults and defects can result in hundreds, or often thousands of dollars of damage and repairs later down the road.
Most inspection rates start at $450, but that can vary depending on a home’s size and how (or when!) it was built. It’s possible to get inspections for much cheaper.
Always Attend the Inspection
Because buyers get a report from the inspector after the job’s done, many people don’t realize they can be at the inspection. In fact, good inspectors expect you to be there. That way, they can show you what they find and let you know whether it’s a big deal or not. Unfortunately, some inspectors might cut corners, which is another reason to be there. Don’t let some snow or construction debris prevent your inspector from checking a hard-to-get-to area.
Always Test Water Quality, Mold, and Radon
Everyone should get water tested — whether the water comes from a well or from a public source. It’s true that some Nashville homes have lead issues or other contaminants in the water. Water testing can also tell you about the integrity of your plumbing, if you have copper or PVC, or if you have arsenic, lead, or radon exposure in the home. Speaking of radon, most homes in Nashville with basements can have radon problems, and if that’s the case, buyers should always ask to have it remediated. It’s also important to test for mold. Mold remediation can be expensive, and if you have toxic molds, you may end up with health complaints later on down the line. It doesn’t matter whether your home is in Donelson and was affected by the flood or if it’s in Green Hills.
Always Have New Homes Inspected
You probably wouldn’t have a new car inspected by a mechanic before buying it, so the same goes when buying a new house, right? Surprisingly, new homes still need to be inspected. Some have been known to topple faster than a five-tier wedding cake without dowel support. Many have defects, even if they did meet county codes. If the builder reassures you that the house is perfect, get it inspected anyway. Save your urge to gamble for the casinos!
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