Most offers to purchase contain an inspection contingency. It outlines what inspections will be performed, the time frames in which they will be performed, who pays for them, and what options there are for undesirable results. Common inspection contingencies in our market area are a general home inspection, well and septic inspection when applicable, sometimes radon inspections, mold inspections when the general inspection finds evidence of mold, and lead paint inspections are offered on houses built before 1978.
General home inspections are usually performed by "home inspectors." Home inspectors are not licensed in MI. Most inspectors do have a general builder's license. Be cautious about just picking an inspector from the phone book. If you don't already have an inspector you have used in the past, we can recommend one. We don't receive "referral fees" from anybody we recommend, nor do we have "marketing agreements," "affiliations," or any other form of legal kick back. We recommend vendors who will do the best job for our clients.
An alternative to using a general home inspector would be to have a heating and cooling expert, electrician, structial engineer, etc. to examine the specific issues you would be concerned about. This route costs more, but in relation to the cost of a home purchase, their collective fees would be pretty low.
The purpose of a home inspection is to find any unexpected defects. It's not to form a "honey do" list for the seller. In the case where we do find a substantial defect, our options would be spelled out in the contract. Your choices are usually to void the offer and get your earnest money back or renegotiate your original offer.
When we meet in person, we can go over all this in more detail. You need to understand the process and feel comfortable with the procedure and its outcome. A home purchase is a large investment, and neither you nor I want you to be in a money pit anymore than we would hate for you to lose a house over somethint petty. You may call us anytime for more information at (800)401-1444 or e-mail me at Jackie@JackieHawley.com.
