Home Inspections in Asheville, NC

One of the most important sections of the NC Offer to Purchase and Contract document covers inspection of the real property to be purchased. It is also one of the areas where many disputes between buyers and sellers start.

The process of performing a home inspection is generally handled by a company that specializes in performing home inspections. By North Carolina law a home inspector must also possess a NC General Contractors License, so rest assured that whom ever you hire has some level expertise. The major items covered under a home inspection include, but are not limited to:

Major Items Covered - Home Inspections in Asheville, NC

• Home- This is a check up for the home and all its mechanical systems. It covers a very large list from windows, doors, roof, and decks to the climate control, electrical, plumbing and other mechanical systems.
• Pest – Otherwise known as wood destroying insects. Generally speaking this inspection is performed by a pest company such as Terminix and inspects for the presence or previous existence of termites and other wood destroying insects.
• Radon – Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can cause cancer in certain concentrations and should definitely be tested for. Asheville, NC and surrounding areas are at risk for the presence of Radon Gas. For more information please visit http://www.epa.gov/radon
• Water - More and more companies are springing up by the day that test the quality of your water source and I highly recommend that you have a sample of the water tested. It is a small fee and provides some real peace of mind.
• Septic – Septic systems are a little more difficult and costly to inspect. In general a septic can be pumped dry and then inspected for cracks or other anomalies that might constitute some concerns. The cost of having the inspection can run as high as $200-$300 and may not give a complete view of the health and performances of your system. Generally speaking it is pretty darn easy to tell when a septic system has failed. There will be apparent water standing over the drainage field and more than likely a very noticeable odor. Just make sure that you have an approved installation document from the county, attesting to the correct installation of the septic system.

Understanding the Results of Inspections in Asheville, NC

It is important to note that the inspection report does not say these things must nor need replacing; the report simply makes recommendations based on the shape the system was observed in at the time of inspection. Once you have the inspection report you may then ask the seller to fix or replace any or all items mentioned in the report. The seller, in North Carolina, at that time may or may not agree to any or all of the repair items. In the event the seller refuses any request you may be able to walk away from the contract, continue with the contract as written or renegotiate the contract.

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