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After years of stagnant sales, the real estate market is picking up steam. The housing recovery is being driven by low mortgage rates and a slow but steady economic recovery. That being said, it will take time for the housing market to return to its pre-crash levels. In other words, the buyer should beware. There's opportunity out there, but there's also risk. Do You Need a Home Inspection? Real estate is a major investment, perhaps the largest you will ever make. Would you buy a used car without having your mechanic check it out first? Of course not! Then why would you purchase a home without a thorough examination? Common Inspection Services Most homeowners know next to nothing about home construction. They can't tell if an abode needs a new roof or new plumbing or even a new foundation. These are just a few of the items on a professional real estate inspector's checklist. Let us take a moment to discuss the most important services individually. Structural Evaluation A house isn't a house unless it has walls, ceilings, floors, a roof, and a foundation. The condition of these components helps determine the structural soundness of an abode. Damage to any one of these parts can result in major repairs that cost tens of thousands of dollars. As a result, this is the first thing a professional inspector will examine. Exterior Evaluation When the sun is shining and the birds are singing, most homes are nearly worry-free. But when the winter comes or the rainy season starts, basic exterior elements such as elevation, drainage, driveways, and sidewalks can cause issues new owners did not anticipate. That is why inspection services always include a thorough investigation of the outside area. Roof and Attic Because they take a beating from the elements on a daily basis, all roofs eventually wear out. The average one lasts about twenty years. If you are interested in an older abode, make sure the inspector takes a look at its roof. In most cases, you won't have to ask him. But you may want to inquire how many years he thinks the roof has left. Plumbing and Electrical Once again, the older the structure, the more internal problems it will likely have. Bad wiring and leaky pipes are quite common in middle-age abodes. Real estate inspection services do not include an actual visual evaluation of these areas, since that would require tearing up the ceilings and walls. However, an experienced investigator will check each faucet and listen for leaks. He will also examine the electric installation for outdated or inferior equipment. Systems Furnaces, water heaters, air conditioning, fireplaces, and ductwork are all used to regulate the temperature inside your abode. Depending on the age of the structure, these systems could either be modern or antiquated. An experienced examiner should be able to tell you how old and how efficient these systems are. Garage Most new homeowners treat the garage as an afterthought. Fixing a door or a roof in your garage can be every bit as expensive as in the main house. As such, you should always have the inspector check the structure for common problems and potential issues. Finding One The easiest way to locate an experienced home inspector is to ask your real estate agent. He or she should have no trouble recommending a reputable professional. Looking for Salisbury real estate? Visit http://www.ronapril.com.
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