Columbian, The (Vancouver, WA)


April 27, 1997
LOOKING FOR TROUBLE ... CONSIDER HIRING A HOME INSPECTOR BEFORE SIGNING THE PAPERS

Author: JEFF MIZE
Columbian staff writer
Section: F section
Page: 1

Estimated printed pages: 6
Article Text:
You finally found the home you have always wanted. Your offer has been accepted. The financing has come through. All that's left is to close the deal.
There's one final step that too many people skip: a home inspection to pinpoint any problems before you buy.
A thorough inspection can prevent your dream home from becoming your repair nightmare. With people routinely paying more than $ 100,000 for homes, most likely the biggest investment they will ever make, another $ 250 to $ 300 for an inspection can be well worth the additional expense.
"Most people get into a house and don't have a lot left to fix problems that may arise during that first 12 months," said Deborah Oester, the vice president of Northwest National Bank.
Alan Luke of Bugaboo Pest Control said he routinely gets calls from people who moved into a house six months ago without having an inspection.
"I find a lot of people who are very sorry they didn't spend the money," he said.

TOP 10 PROBLEMS REPORTED BY HOME INSPECTORS
1. Improper grading/drainage.
2. Faulty electrical wiring.
3. Roof damage.
4. Heating system problems.
5. Poor overall maintenance.
6. Structural defects.
7. Plumbing problems.
8. Exterior flaws.
9. Poor ventilation.
10. Miscellaneous defects.
HOME INSPECTIONS AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Visual inspection, usually done before a home is sold.
WHAT'S INSPECTED: Heating and air conditioning, interior plumbing, electrical systems, windows and doors, ceilings and floors, roof and attic, walls, visible insulation, basement and crawl space, grading and drainage.
WHAT'S NOT INSPECTED: Defects hidden by carpeting and other floor covering, wiring inside sealed junction boxes, other items that cannot be visually examined, including sewer lines and septic systems.
COST: Inspections typically cost between $ 250 and $ 300.