|
As a buyer, inspections can help you understand the overall condition of your new Pasadena property, even things you cannot see. There are many different types of inspections though, so we've created this page to help you understand some of the most common inspections that might be required or recommended, potentially saving you considerable time with the purchase process of your Pasadena investment property and hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
Standard Home Inspection - Some of the areas covered in this inspection consist of the lot and grounds, garage/carport, roofs, the exterior and structure of the home, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, any fireplaces, and the condition of the appliances. Remember, some homes can be sold "as-is" even though an inspection may take place, so be sure to know your inspection rights. They are clearly stated in the Contract For Sale and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Radon Inspection - Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that between 15,000 - 22,000 deaths per year result from radon exposure? Therefore they recommend that all homes be tested for radon. The EPA recommends that homes containing 4.0 or more Pico Curies per liter be remedied.
Termite Inspection - This inspection looks for the presence of wood-destroying insects (WDI) or wood destroying organisms (WDO, i.e. fungus). Termite inspection requirements vary from state to state.
Asbestos Inspection - A lab analysis will be looking for the presence of asbestos fibers and evaluate their condition. If friable or non-friable conditions exist, buyers should seek professional assistance.
Composition Board Siding - Composition board siding is a paper-based product that is made to look just like traditional wood siding, but a fraction of the cost. Recently, homeowners brought a class action suit against some of the largest composition board siding manufactures; Louisiana Pacific (LP), Georgia Pacific (GP), Masonite, and Weyerhauser. The homeowners claimed that the siding had premature deterioration and even rotted away due to water penetration. That's why this inspection is so important.
Lead Paint Inspection - Lead based paint can be harmful to young children and babies. They can suffer from brain damage, damaged nervous systems, learning and behavioral problems, slowed growth, headaches, and also hearing problems. Luckily, lead based paint is not used in today's construction. But any home built before 1978 may contain lead based paint, and needs to be inspected.
On-Site Waste System (SeptiChekTM) Evaluation - Fluid levels inside the septic tank are examined during this inspection by an on-site waste management professional. They also check the condition of the tank and its' baffles, and the sub-surface liquid waste (effluent). This inspection can save the buyer from a large range of problems and potentially costly repairs. The SeptiChekTM evaluation provides more reliable information of potential problems than a septic dye test.
Pool/Hot Tub Inspection - This inspection will check the overall condition of the pool and/or hot tub's operability and it's equipment. The pool deck will also be inspected to check for deterioration or other defects.
Private Well Flow and Potability Inspection - Samples from the well are taken to a lab for a potability (drinkability) analysis.
Stucco Siding Inspection - Let's remember that there are two different types of stucco: 1.) cement-based "traditional" stucco, and 2.) synthetic stucco. Synthetic stucco is commonly referred to as Exterior Insulated Finish System (EIFS) and is mainly found in the Southeast but is present in homes all over the country. A stucco siding inspection takes moisture readings to determine if the system has already experienced water damage, and it can also find hidden structural damage in a home.
- In considering a home with stucco exterior, we recommend an inspection be conducted to determine the condition of the siding.
- Synthetic stucco is predominately found in the Southeast but it is present in homes in other areas of the country as well.
- Hidden structural damage has been documented in synthetic stucco homes in 34 states.
- Moisture readings are taken to determine if the system has already experienced water intrusion.
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspection - Underground storage tanks are typically used to store oil for heating homes and should be inspected to make sure it's not leaking or losing it's vacuum. An inspector can either use the soil test or the vacuum test. In the soil test, random core samples are taken around the location of the tank and are sent to a lab for analysis. If any product has contaminated the soil in a particular area, this test can show where and to what extent. The vacuum test is a bit different. In this inspection, a technician seals off and places the tank under a vacuum. Readings are periodically taken to determine whether or not the tank is losing its vacuum. This test offers immediate results for the buyers. Here a couple more facts about underground storage tanks to keep in mind:
- Since USTs are predominately made of metal rusting and corrosion can occur over time, causing hazardous materials to leak into the surrounding soil and potentially aquifers that supply drinking water to the surrounding communities.
- The majority of UST problems occur in the northeastern states due to the older properties located there.
- Obtaining the proper inspections for a home prior to purchase is one of the best ways to make a smart purchase decision and protect your investment. The above is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all of the types of inspections that may be necessary on a particular home, but it is meant to provide general information on some of the most common types of inspections.
Not every home requires all of these inspections. This list is simply here to help you understand some of the most common types of inspections, and supply you with valuable information before you buy that perfect home.
| 
