Donn Anderson presents a seminar to pro-active home buyers at the Landmark Credit Union in southeast Wisconsin on 4/2/2019.
Donn answers new home buyer audience questions:
To help make the Home Inspection a satisfying experience, here are some things you can do DURING the home inspection:
Even if you’ve already read “The Standards of Practice”, review it once more. It will remind you what’s within the scope of a Home Inspection, as well as what’s not.
Remember, a home inspection is NOT All Inclusive and it’s not a To-Do List of Maintenance Items. It’s about the Major Defects.
This document may have disclosures that could affect your opinion of the homes condition
Take a moment and ask yourself: “How do distractions affect me when I’m trying to concentrate?”
Give your inspector space to focus on inspecting your home while you explore, and evaluate things that are important to you, that may not be part of a home inspection.
Use your phone to take pictures of things you want to discuss with your inspector.
Then, every 20 to 30 minutes, get together for updates.
Most inspections will last at least 2 ½ – 3 hours. This gives you time to explore your prospective home more thoroughly while giving your inspector time to focus on your inspection.
Since the inspector is not required to check all doors and window, wouldn’t it be a good idea to also check them yourself while you are there? Why even miss one window when you are already at the inspection. Look for ease of operation, water damage, fogging and condensation between the panes of glass, cracked or broken glass. Some windows may be painted or caulked shut, some windows may show signs of rot and some window sashes may fall when you try to open them. For safety reasons, keep your fingers close to you when you unlatch the sash locks.
According to Insurance companies, most claims are related to water damage. If you see any signs of seepage, ask your inspector if it was documented.
At the end of the Home Inspection
Stay tuned for Part 3: Learn what you can do AFTER your Home Inspection.
Thanks again for your time. We are here for you!
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As well as EXCITEMENT, we might also feel a little nervous or stress when it comes to buying a home. Could there be major issues my home inspector won’t find? Well, there’s something you can do to help lower your risk.
My name is Donn Anderson.
I’m a Certified Master Home Inspector® in Southeastern Wisconsin and I’ve inspected over 16,000 homes since 1995. I also serve as an Expert Witness & Arbitrator in cases of Inexperienced or Low-priced Home Inspectors who have left some homebuyers paying for repairs that should have been discovered during the inspection.
We’ve maintained over a 99% customer satisfaction rate by educating our customers Before…, During… and After the Inspection.
If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, I’d like to help you Reduce your Risk and your Stress. RISK often starts with the assumption that all Home Inspectors are licensed, and the only difference is price.
Every Inspector has a different background, credentials and experiences.
There are Home Inspection schools that guarantee ANYONE can pass the exams after a 5 day course.
Do you think it’s wise saving money on an inspector who was only trained for 5 days?
I hope you have us inspect your next home, but if you don’t, still consider the following to help you reduce Stress and your Risk of a bad outcome.
Here’s what YOU can do BEFORE your next Home Inspection
Compare Credentials & Research Reviews of several Inspectors.
The CHEAPEST is usually the LEAST qualified and puts you at the MOST risk of financial loss.
Besides licensing, ask potential home inspectors if they are:
If you get referrals from your Real Estate Agent, your Lender, your Attorney and Friends, check out their reviews on the internet.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to your top 3 picks, check their background with:
Remember, the more experience & relevant credentials, the more thorough your inspection will be, and the more likely problems will be found during the inspection, rather than after you move in.
For more help, you can download the Home Inspector Credential Comparison Worksheet from our website
Next – Research the Home
Contact the Municipality to find out if the sellers pulled and closed all Permits for any remodeling.
Ask for and read the sellers Real Estate Condition Report
Ask the seller to provide copies of Receipts & Warranties for your review DURING the Home Inspection for any:
Next, carefully read “The Standards of Practice”
This is the heart of your Home Inspection Agreement.
Remember, a home inspection is NOT All Inclusive and it’s not a To-do List of Maintenance items.
It’s about finding the Major Defects.
Maintenance issues are documented only as a courtesy.
So
For more info on Risk Reduction, learn what you can do During your Home Inspection in the next upcoming article.
Improve your light fixtures
Replace old, outdated and energy-hog light fixtures. Nowadays, there are lots of available light fixtures that are energy efficient and designed specifically for modern homes. There are some that are specifically designed for the living room, kitchen and bedroom. Some might cost a bit more than the regular lights but in the long run, it will help you save a lot of cash.
Improve kitchen storage
Give your kitchen more storage space by installing open shelves at unclaimed walls. Hooks can also be used to hold up some cooking tools. In addition, you can paint up those old looking kitchen cabinets to give your kitchen a fresh new look.
Restore your floor’s beauty
Clean and polish your floor to make it shine as new. You’ll be amazed on how this simple tip or task can boost your home’s overall look. If some parts of your flooring needs replacement, better do it before it cause further damage.
Stop clutter at the door
Keep your drop zone near your front door tidy at all times. Place some storage baskets; install some hooks along with a small bench to keep it a functional and efficient drop zone area. Remember to tidy it up at the end of the day to avoid clutter from piling up.
Organize your closet
Although your closet clutter is not visible at all times, it’s highly recommended to keep it organized at all times. Improvement starts within so start with your closet organization and make sure that everything is well kept inside of it.
Accessorize your entryway
Accessorize your entryway with some lighting, address number and letter box. For design inspirations, you can check out some of the most popular Pinterest boards. Remember, first impression last so better make your entry way stand out.
Clean your carpets thoroughly
If your carpet is too much to clean for you, hire professional help to do it. Professional cleaning of carpet can make it look and shine bright like new. It will be worth your money to have it cleaned professionally as it can give your home a cleaner and brighter look.
Add some greenery
Small potted plants inside your house can improve its overall look. Place some greenery at the corners of your house and be amazed on how it can give your interior a boost. You can place some small indoor plants on top of your kitchen table, coffee table and bedside table too!
These home improvement ideas will not cost you a lot (some of them are even free to do!). So follow them along and pretty sure you can totally improve your home.
