What to Expect from Your Home Inspection

by | Oct 1, 2019 | Buyers, First Time Home Buyers, Home Inspections, Home Search, Move-up Buyers, Protect your family, Sellers, Selling Your Home

What to Expect from Your Home Inspection | MyKCM

You made an offer and it was accepted. Your next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing. Agents often recommend you make your offer contingent upon a clean home inspection.

This contingency allows you to renegotiate the price you offered for the home, ask the sellers to cover repairs, or in some cases, walk away if challenges arise. Your agent can advise you on the best course of action once the report is filed.

How to Choose an Inspector

Your agent will most likely have a short list of inspectors they’ve worked with in the past to recommend to you. HGTV suggests you consider the following five areas when choosing the right home inspector for you:

1. Qualifications – Find out what’s included in your inspection and if the age or location of your home may warrant specific certifications or specialties.

2. Sample Reports – Ask for a sample inspection report so you can review how thoroughly they will be inspecting your dream home. In most cases, the more detailed the report,
the better.

3. References – Do your homework. Ask for phone numbers and names of past clients who you can call to discuss their experiences.

4. Memberships – Not all inspectors belong to a national or state association of home inspectors, and membership in one of these groups should not be the only way to evaluate your choice. Membership in one of these organizations does, however, often mean continued training and education are required.

5. Errors and Omission Insurance – Find out what the liability of the inspector or inspection company is once the inspection is over. The inspector is only human, after all, and it is possible they might miss something they should see.

Ask your inspector if it’s okay for you to tag along during the inspection, so they can point out anything that should be addressed or fixed.

Don’t be surprised to see your inspector climbing on the roof or crawling around in the attic and on the floors. The job of the inspector is to protect your investment and find any issues with the home, including but not limited to: the roof, plumbing, electrical components, appliances, heating and air conditioning systems, ventilation, windows, fireplace and chimney, foundation, and so much more.

Bottom Line

They say, ‘ignorance is bliss,’ but not when investing your hard-earned money into a home of your own. Work with a professional you can trust to give you the most information possible, so you can make the most educated decision about your purchase.

Are You Protected?

by | Oct 14, 2018 | Building Code, Pet Safety, Protect your family, Safety, Smoke Alarms

Are your smoke alarms up to code? Most building codes require smoke detectors in residential homes. If you’re a renter, your landlord is responsible for ensuring their building (s) are up to code. If you plan to sell your home, you will be required to bring your existing smoke detectors up to code before closing day! Homeowners should check with their local public safety office or nearby fire department for specific requirements for their home.

General guidelines:

• Primary types: according to the National Fire Protection Association
Ionization (flame-responsive), photoelectric (detect smoldering fire). Using a combo unit or a mix
of both can provide better overall protection.

• Hard-wired units: all smoke detectors should be interconnected, so If one triggers, they all go
off.

• Wireless connected systems: the newest technology of interconnected systems perform like the hard-wired units that set all units off if one is triggered.

• Battery operated: 10 year Lithium battery units are replaced after their stated lifespan. Standard batteries should be replaced at least annually, and you can use the test button once a month to
replace batteries or units as needed.

• Location is KEY for effectiveness! Recommended smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping area/bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on each level.

• General Placement: placing them high on a wall or on the ceiling can increase effectiveness. For extra-high ceilings, consult your local fire department for proper wall placement.

• Specific for Kitchen units: a HUSH button in the unit can be used if cooking smoke sets it off. This option is better than waving a towel  around and opening doors and windows to get it to turn off. Also, a photoelectric unit installed close to the kitchen won’t be set off by cooking. NEVER disable a unit to shut it off.

Keep your family members safe (including the FURRY ONES) by installing up to code smoke alarms in recommended locations, performing regular maintenance and replace units as needed.