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Inspections for Buyers
Home Inspection
What is a Home Inspection?
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) defines a home inspection as "an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation."
Buying a home may be one of the largest purchases of your life, and a home inspection will educate you about the condition of your newly built or previously owned home. The home in-spection is a common and wise part of the purchasing process; it also provides you an opportunity to examine the home with a professional. Accompany the inspector during the inspection to learn about needed repairs, construction oversights, and maintenance tips. Don't be afraid to ask the inspector questions about the house, no matter how basic they may seem. A home inspection is not an appraisal (which determines the value of the property) or a municipal inspection (which verifies compliance with local building codes). Therefore, a house does not pass or fail an inspection, rather it receives an independent assessment of its current condition. Like other parts of life, houses have strengths and weaknesses. Inspectors know that things aren't always what they seem and act in your interest to find major and minor deficiencies. They will issue a report clearly describing current and potential problems with recommendations for repairs and maintenance. |
Blue Ridge Mountain view |
Repairs The seller may be willing to negotiate completion of repairs or a credit for completion of repairs, or you may decide that the home will take too much work and money. A professional inspection will help you make a clear-headed decision. In addition to the overall inspection, you may wish to have separate tests conducted for termites or the presence of radon gas. Trust Choose your home inspector wisely, as he/she plays an important role in choosing a dream home. You can select an inspector based on personal recommendations and on membership to ASHI and the North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) North Carolina Real Estate Commission | |
Lead Inspection
"Nationwide disclosure requirements pertaining to lead-based paint have been in place since 1996. They are triggered whenever a home built prior to 1978 is either rented, transferred, or sold, thereby affecting approximately 9 million renters and 3 million homebuyers every year. These requirements apply to all transactions involving pre-1978 residential dwellings, except for: foreclosure sales; housing set aside for the elderly and housing set aside for the handicapped (provided no children under the age of six live there or are expected to live there); 0-bedroom units, otherwise known as studio apartments; efficiencies; lofts; military barracks; or dormitories; rental housing that has been inspected by a certified lead inspector and found to be free of lead-based paint; rentals of individual rooms; and leases for less than 100 days." (National Safety Council)
Health Effects of Lead
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| NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1601 Mail Service Center (919) 733-4984 Fax 919-715-3060 | Useful Links Where Lead is Likely to be a Hazard | More information on Lead Poisoning | |
Radon Inspection
Health Effects of Radon Exposure
"No immediate symptoms. Based on an updated Assessment of Risk for Radon in Homes, radon in indoor air is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Smokers are at higher risk of developing Radon-induced lung cancer. Lung cancer is the only health effect which has been definitively linked with radon exposure. Lung cancer usually occurs five to twenty-five years after exposure. There is no evidence that other respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are caused by radon exposure and there is no evidence that children are at any greater risk of radon induced lung cancer than adults." –Environmental Protection Agency
NC Radon Info NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources "Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon." Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Surgeon General Health Advisory "Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques." January 2005 Useful Links The National Radon Safety Board 1-800-SOS-RADON |
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Pest Inspections
Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division
2109 Blue Ridge Road
Raleigh, N.C 27607
(919)733-6100
Subterranean termites are by far, the most common termites in North Carolina. Several subterranean species are native to North Carolina, but their biology and activity are essentially the same. The best method for the control of subterranean termites is prevention.*
Preventive measures:*
- Remove all stumps, dead wood, and other cellulose containing material in contact with the soil from the crawl space
- Remove all form boards and grade stakes
- There should be no contact between the building woodwork and the soil or fill material. Exterior woodwork should be located a minimum of 6 inches above ground and beams in crawl spaces at least 18 inches above ground to provide ample space to make future inspections
- Ventilation openings in foundations should be designed to prevent dead air pockets. This helps keep the ground dry and unfavorable for termites
- Thorough annual inspections should be conducted to discover evidence of termite activity such as shelter tubes on foundation surfaces, discarded wings or adult termites
- Any wood that contacts the soil, such as fence posts and foundation elements should be made of pressure treated wood
- Foundation areas should be made accessible for inspection if possible
- Proper grading to direct water away from the structure
Informative Links
**Post Construction Termite Control
A Homebuyer's Guide for the Wood-Destroying Insect Report (WDIR)
NC Structural Pest Control Committee
Helpful Articles
Lookout for Termites
Termite Tribulations: Facts and Warning Signs
Preventing Termite Infestation
Termites Getting out of Control
Guarding Your Home Against Termites
Terminating Termites
* (source www.ncagr.com)
